GB2472843A - Cafe banner assembly with rings and cross bars - Google Patents

Abstract

A cafe banner or barrier assembly comprises two or more stanchions and a banner extending between stanchions. There is an upper attachment between an upper portion of said banner and a stanchion; and a lower attachment between a lower portion of said banner and said stanchion. The lower attachment is a ring15which slideably engages the stanchion. The ring has a sleeve16with an inner diameter portion which extends for sliding engagement with the stanchion over a height of at least a quarter of the inner diameter. This height enables the ring to maintain a relatively low friction sliding engagement with the stanchion. The ring may have an annular projection17with holes18,19,20,21for securing the banner to. The ring may have internal projections27which contact the stanchion.

Description

BANNER ASSEMBLIES, RINGS AND/OR CROSS-BARS

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to banner assemblies, rings and/or cross-bars. In preferred embodiments the banner assemblies take the form of so-called café barriers, café banners, pavement café banners, café screens, terrace screens. Generally, these may be referred to as means to support banners to segregate space.

Background to the Invention and Prior Art known to the Applicant Known banner assemblies incorporate at least two stanchions which are usually supported to be self-standing. A banner is stretched between stanchions in order to typically display advertisements. The banner is usually attached to an upper portion of the stanchion in order to be effectively immobilised at the upper portion. The banners often incorporate an upper and a lower tunnel for receiving a rope and/or a cross-bar. A ring is often provided at the upper portion of the stanchion and is shaped and configured to receive a portion of the upper cross-bar when such a bar is located in the upper tunnel of the banner. Since banner assemblies are often exposed to the elements, specific design features are introduced in order to achieve acceptable levels of stability. For example, in existing banner assemblies elastic tether cords are employed. These are prone to deteriorate over time and are generally not expected to survive the service life of a banner assembly.

Failure of an elastic cord significantly compromises the performance of the banner assembly and often results in the un-tethered banner flapping unpredictably in windy conditions, causing a hazard to anybody located in close proximity or causing damage to adjacent objects. Furthermore, at the occasion of failure then a correctly proportioned elastic tether will need to be sourced which can prove difficult. Instead of replacing the broken tether, an improvised repair is often carried out which can cause damage to the banner itself and generally would not be long-lasting. The end result is often a compromise to the appearance and performance of the barrier as a whole.

A further drawback of the elastic tether arrangement is that the banner and stanchion will have to be appropriately spaced. In order to achieve this it is either necessary to raise the stanchion height by design or to increase the distance between the stanchion and the banner.

A further prior art embodiment replaces the elastic tether with a metallic spring which has at least the same drawbacks as the elastic cord. In addition, the metallic spring may scratch against the surface of the stanchion, resulting in surface damage. Furthermore, the metallic spring can also generate unpleasant amounts of noise.

In order to attenuate the effects of the destabilising forces of gusting winds, sliding metal rings are employed for securing the lower portions of banners so that as the wind blows, the lower portion of the banner and the ring tend to displace upwards and as the wind strength reduces the banner and ring tend to return under gravity to their original position.

The sliding metal rings are typically disc shaped and therefore tend through use to readily tilt relative to the stanchion. By so doing the inner diameter of the ring presents a sharp edge which scratches against the stanchion during the sliding motion. Over time the surface of the stanchion deteriorates which might expose inner portions of the stanchion which might be prone to corrosion. It also roughens the surface which reduces the effectiveness of the ring. Over time the ring may itself be stuck in position which could cause the banner assembly to succumb to the destabilising forces.

In addition to the mechanical drawbacks of the prior art sliding metal ring arrangements, the inevitable damage to the surface finish also restricts the decorative finishing options that can be used on the stanchions; for example black chrome, brass plating finishes and polyester powder coating will all show deterioration through scratching.

Furthermore, the prior art ring and stanchion assembly requires to meet very strict tolerance criteria if it is to function at all to a satisfactory level. Since strict tolerance criteria are not desirable from a manufacturing perspective, the metal rings will in practice be inclined to grip the stanchion and to easily jam in position resulting in the prior art banners failing to sufficiently yield to gusting winds.

Summary of the Invention

In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides a banner assembly comprising two or more stanchions; a banner extending between stanchions; an upper attachment between an upper portion of said banner and a stanchion; and a lower attachment between a lower portion of said banner and said stanchion; wherein said lower attachment incorporates a ring which slidably engages the stanchion; said ring having a sleeve with an inner diameter portion which extends for sliding engagement with the stanchion over a height of at least a quarter of the inner diameter in order for said ring to maintain, in use, a relatively low friction sliding engagement relative to said stanchion.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it reduces wear between the sliding ring and the stanchion. It allows the banner assembly to withstand gusting winds over a longer service life. It avoids the ring acting as a brake as will often be the case in the prior art. It allows the manufacturing requirements to be less stringent. Greater tolerances are permissible whilst maintaining adequate levels of sliding between the ring and the stanchion. In this configuration, the banner is simply less likely to destabilise in gusting winds.

In a subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's first broad independent aspect, said ring incorporates an annular projection with a lower height than the height of the sleeve. This configuration is particularly advantageous since it allows the benefits of a thin attachment area to be provided for the cross-bar or other tethering means. In a further subsidiary aspect, the annular projection incorporates a plurality of holes for securing a junction member between said banner and said ring. By providing the holes on the annular projection, securing a cross-bar or a rope is simplified.

In a further subsidiary aspect, one or more webs extend between said annular projection and said sleeve. This configuration improves the mechanical properties of the ring. It causes it to be less susceptible to bending.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said webs are radially oriented. This configuration is particularly advantageous in terms of further improving the strength of the annular projection. It further improves its resistance to bending.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said inner diameter portion incorporates a number of projections. This configuration further improves the slideability of the ring relative to the stanchion since the area of contact is reduced. It also improves the cleanability of the ring.

It also reduces the ring's likelihood of clogging up due to dirt and/or debris which may otherwise accumulate in the ring through use.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said projections are elongate rounded protrusions. This further improves the slideability of the ring relative to the extension.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said protrusions extend in the sliding direction of the ring and are rounded at both their uppermost extremities and their lowermost extremities.

This also improves the engagement between the stanchion and the ring. It also allows some degree of tilting without causing the ring to jam.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said inner diameter portion incorporates a stanchion contact surface which is of a low friction plastics material. This configuration further improves the slideability of the inner diameter portion.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the assembly further comprises a cross-bar which joins said banner with said ring.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said cross-bar incorporates a hook, a slideable latch displaceable between a position where said hook is sufficiently open to allow its attachment to said ring and a position wherein the hook is closed. This configuration further simplifies the operation of attaching a cross-bar to the ring.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said slideable latch is biased towards the closed position.

This further improves the level of secure attachment.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said holes are oblong and said cross-bar incorporates a hook with an oblong distal extremity sized and shaped to correspond to the dimension of said holes. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the extremity of the hook to be secured in position instead of otherwise being free to rotate relative to the hole.

In a second broad independent aspect, the invention provides a banner assembly ring comprising a sleeve with an inner diameter portion whose height is at least a quarter of its inner diameter.

In a subsidiary aspect in accordance with the second broad independent aspect, said ring incorporates an annular projection with a lower height than the height of the sleeve.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said annular projection incorporates a plurality of holes for securing a junction member between said banner and said ring.

In a further subsidiary aspect, one or more webs extend between said annular projection and said sleeve.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said webs are radially oriented.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said inner diameter portion incorporates a number of projections.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said projections are elongate rounded protrusions.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said protrusions extend longitudinally and are rounded at both their uppermost and their lowermost extremities.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said inner diameter portion is of a low-friction plastics material.

In a third broad independent aspect, the invention provides a banner assembly cross-bar comprising a hook with a slideable latch displaceable between a position where said hook is sufficiently open to allow its attachment to a ring at a position wherein said hook is closed.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said slideable latch is biased towards the closed position.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the distal extremity of the hook is oblong when viewed in cross-section.

In a further broad independent aspect, the invention provide a banner assembly comprising two or more stanchions; a banner extending between stanchions; an upper attachment between an upper portion of said banner and a stanchion; and a lower attachment between a lower portion of said banner and said stanchion; wherein said lower attachment incorporates a ring which slidably engages the stanchion; said ring having an annular projection and a sleeve with an inner diameter portion which extends for sliding engagement with the stanchion over a height which is greater than the height of the annular projection.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a side elevation of a banner assembly.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a ring.

Figure 3 shows a side view of a ring.

Figure 4 shows a part cross-sectional view of a ring.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a ring and an inlay plate.

Figures 6 A-C show cross-bars of different lengths.

Figure 7 shows a perspective exploded view of a cross-bar hook.

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a cross-bar hook.

Figure 9 shows a side elevation of a cross-bar hook.

Figure 10 shows a connection piece in side elevation.

Detailed Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a banner assembly generally referenced 1 incorporating a banner 2 supported between two vertical stanchions 3 and 4. The banner incorporates an upper and a lower tunnel respectively referenced 5 and 6 which are sized and shaped to receive a cross-bar such as cross-bars 7 and 8. Instead of incorporating a tunnel in the banner, other securing means are envisaged such as filamentary touch-to-close pads (such as from VELCRO (registered trademark)), adhesive and/or a fastener. Cross-bars 7 and 8 incorporate at their extremities hooks such as hooks 9 and 10. Stanchion 3 is secured to a base 11 in order to allow the stanchion to be self-standing. At its upper extremity, the stanchion is attached to a first ring 12 with an inner diameter portion which is substantially greater than the height of the ring. The ring projects sideways and incorporates regularly spaced holes sized and shaped to receive the extremity 13 of a hook.

A slideable closure member 14 is displaceable to and from a position of abutment with the extremity of the hook in order to allow the hook to be opened and closed by an operator.

Upper ring 12 is immobilised relative to the stanchion. The immobilisation may be achieved through a number of spot wells. Alternatively, the ring may be incorporated in the upper finishing member of the stanchion which may for example be screwed into position.

At a lower extremity of the stanchion, a ring 15 is provided and configured to slide relative to the stanchion so that when gusting winds meet the banner, the ring tends to lift from the position shown in the Figure.

Figure 2 shows ring 15 in greater detail. The ring incorporates a sleeve 16 and an annular projection 17. The annular projection is located at an uppermost portion of the sleeve. In further embodiments, it is envisaged to place the annular projection at substantially the midway height position and/or at a lower portion of the sleeve. A number of through holes are provided in the annular projection. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, four holes 18, 19, 20 and 21 are provided and disposed at regular intervals. The holes are generally obLong. For example, hole 18 incorporates two oppositely located bowed surfaces 22 and 23 and two further substantially parallel oppositely located faces 24 and 25. As part of the inner diameter portion 26, a number of closely contiguous elongate rounded protrusions such as protrusion 27 are provided. These are elongate in the sliding direction. These extend in other words axially. At the upper and lower extremities 28 and 29 the leading surfaces are rounded in order to further simplify the engagement of the ring onto a stanchion. Gaps such as gap 30 are provided between adjacent elongate protrusions.

Figure 3 shows the relative proportions between sleeve 16 and annular projection 17. A number of radially oriented webs such as web 31 are provided at regular intervals about the circumference of the sleeve between the outer surface of the sleeve and the underside of the annular projection. The sleeve incorporates upper and lower chamfered edges 32 and 33.

Figure 5 shows the upper and lower rounded leading surfaces of the elongate protrusions.

It also shows a trough in the upper surface 34 of the annular projection. An inlay plate may be placed in this recess. Figure 5 shows an inlay plate 34A with a plurality of holes corresponding to the holes of the ring. The inlay plate would be displaced from the position shown in Figure 5 in order to fill the recessed portion of the upper surface of the ring.

Figure 6C shows a cross-bar 35 with a single tube attached to two hooks 36 and 37. The hooks may be secured through any appropriate fastener. A screw 38 is envisaged in this embodiment to correspond with a receiving portion in housing 39 (as shown in Figure 9).

Figure 6B shows a cross-bar 40 formed of two tubular members 41 and 42 which are joined together by a junction member 43. Similarly cross-bar 44 of Figure 6A consists of a first and a second tubular portion 45 and 46 which are joined together by a junction member 43 which may be of the kind shown in Figure 10. Whilst the junction member is shown as employing screws 47 and 48 to secure the tubular portions in position, the junction member may be shaped and configured to achieve a friction fit instead.

Figure 7 shows a hook assembly 49 with a hook 50 for securing to a ring of the kind described above. The distal extremity 51 of the hook incorporates two bowed surfaces located opposite one another. The distal extremity 51 also incorporates two substantially parallel oppositely located surfaces. A sliding member 52 is provided to block opening 53 when placed in the opening. The sliding member 52 incorporates a trigger 54 sized and shaped to be manually operated. Hook 50 is attached to housing 55 as shown in Figure 8.

In this arrangement, a spring 56 acts on the sliding member 52. Spring 56 is disposed between a screw 57 and the sliding member 52. A projection 58 projects into the forward-most portion of spring 56. Housing 55 incorporates a flange 59 against which a tubular portion of a cross-bar would abut when located in full engagement with the housing.

Housing 55 incorporates axially oriented ribs such as rib 60. It also incorporates a hole with a counter-sunk portion 61 for receiving the head of a screw. Housing 55 also incorporates axially oriented inner ribs such as rib 62.

Figure 10 illustrates the junction member 43 in further detail. It incorporates two tubular receiving portions 63 and 64 separated by a flange 65. Holes for receiving a screw are provided. Furthermore, axially oriented ribs 66 and 67 are provided for each tubular receiving portion.

Claims (26)

1. CLAIMS1. A banner assembly comprising two or more stanchions; a banner extending between stanchions; an upper attachment between an upper portion of said banner and a stanchion; and a lower attachment between a lower portion of said banner and said stanchion; wherein said lower attachment incorporates a ring which slidably engages the stanchion; said ring having a sleeve with an inner diameter portion which extends for sliding engagement with the stanchion over a height of at least a quarter of the inner diameter in order for said ring to maintain, in use, a relatively low friction sliding engagement relative to said stanchion.
2. 2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said ring incorporates an annular projection with a lower height than the height of said sleeve.
3. 3. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein said annular projection incorporates a plurality of holes for securing a junction member between said banner and said ring.
4. 4. An assembly according to either of the preceding claims, wherein one or more webs extend between said annular projection and said sleeve.
5. 5. An assembly according to claim 4, wherein said webs are radially oriented.
6. 6. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said inner diameter portion incorporates a number of projections.
7. 7. An assembly according to claim 6, wherein said projections are elongate rounded protrusions.
8. 8. An assembly according to claim 7, wherein said protrusions extend in the sliding direction of said ring and are rounded at both their uppermost extremities and their lowermost extremities.
9. 9. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said inner diameter portion incorporates a stanchion contact surface which is of a low friction plastics material.
10. 10. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a cross-bar which joins said banner with said ring.
11. 11. An assembly according to claim 10, wherein said cross-bar incorporates a hook with a slideable latch displaceable between a position where said hook is sufficiently open to allow its attachment to said ring and a position wherein said hook is closed.
12. 12. An assembly according to claim 11, wherein said slideable latch is biased towards the closed position.
13. 13. An assembly according to claim 3 and 10, wherein said holes are oblong and said cross-bar incorporates a hook with an oblong distal extremity sized and shaped to correspond to the dimensions of said holes.
14. 14. A banner assembly ring comprising a sleeve with an inner diameter portion whose height is at least a quarter of its inner diameter.
15. 1 5. A ring according to claim 14, wherein said ring incorporates an annular projection with a lower height than the height of said sleeve.
16. 16. A ring according to claim 15, wherein said annular projection incorporates a plurality of holes for securing a junction member between said banner and said ring.
17. 1 7. A ring according to either of the preceding claims, wherein one or more webs extend between said annular projection and said sleeve.
18. 18. A ring according to claim 1 7, wherein said webs are radially oriented.
19. 19. A ring according to any of claims 14 to 18, wherein said inner diameter portion incorporates a number of projections.
20. 20. A ring according to claim 19, wherein said projections are elongate rounded protrusions.
21. 21. A ring according to claim 20, wherein said protrusions extend longitudinally and are rounded at both their uppermost and their lowermost extremities.
22. 22. A ring according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said inner diameter portion is of a low friction plastics material.
23. 23. A banner assembly cross-bar comprising a hook with a slideable latch displaceable between a position where said hook is sufficiently open to allow its attachment to a ring and a position wherein said hook is closed.
24. 24. A cross-bar according to claim 23, wherein said slideable latch is biased towards the closed position.
25. 25. A cross-bar according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the distal extremity of the hook is oblong when viewed in cross-section.
26. 26. A banner assembly and/or a ring and/or a cross-bar substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or figures.CLAIMS1. A self standing banner assembly comprising two or more stanchions, each stanchion having a base portion; a banner extending between stanchions; an upper attachment between an upper portion of said banner and each stanchion, whereby movement of the upper attachment is restricted relative to the stanchion; and a lower attachment between a lower portion of said banner and said stanchion; wherein said lower attachment incorporates a ring which slidably engages the stanchion; said ring having a sleeve with an inner diameter portion which extends over a height of at least a quarter of the inner diameter, for sliding engagement with the stanchion, in order for said ring to maintain, in use, a sliding engagement relative to said stanchion, whereby displacement of the ring relative to the stanchion is facilitated in the vertical direction.2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said ring incorporates an annular projection with a lower height than the height of said sleeve.3. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein said annular projection incorporates a plurality of holes for securing a junction member between said banner and said ring.4. An assembly according to either of the preceding claims, wherein one or more webs extend between said annular projection and said sleeve. a...5. An assembly according to claim 4, wherein said webs are radially oriented. * .* . 25 6. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said inner diameter portion incorporates a plurality of projections.* 7. An assembly according to claim 6, wherein said projections are elongate rounded *** * protrusions.8. An assembly according to claim 7, wherein said protrusions extend in the slidding direction of said ring and are rounded at both their uppermost extremities and their lowermost extremities.9. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said inner diameter portion incorporates a stanchion contact surface which is of a low friction plastics material.10. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a cross-bar which joins said banner with said ring.11. An assembly according to claim 10, wherein said cross-bar incorporates a hook with a slideable latch displaceable between a position where said hook is sufficiently open to allow its attachment to said ring and a position wherein said hook is closed.12. An assembly according to claim 11, wherein said slideable latch is biased towards the closed position.13. An assembly according to claim 3 and 10, wherein said holes are oblong and said cross-bar incorporates a hook with an oblong distal extremity sized and shaped to correspond to the dimensions of said holes.14. A banner assembly substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or figures. * S I...S* S* 50.OS S * * S * 0**0SI*S * S * e5 5s 5S **5 *