WO2000011638A1

WO2000011638A1 - Ground related arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2000011638A1
Application number: PCT/SE1999/001377
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rolf Lennart JÄRLEBRO
Original assignee: JÄRLEBRO, Sandra, Josefin
Priority date: 1998-08-18
Filing date: 1999-08-16
Publication date: 2000-03-02
Also published as: AU5664999A; WO2000011639A1; AU5664799A; SE9802781D0

Abstract

The invention includes a ground related illuminated advertising sign arrangement (1), which consists of a box (1a), a number of light generating instruments or corresponding (1b) imbedded in the box, and if required - a board displaying an advertising message, which is put in front of (on top of) the said light generating instruments in the direction of the light and a board to cover the said board (1d), where the said box (1a) is put in a ground related opening. The said opening is formed between a number of adjoining stones ((1): C, (2): D, (3): C, (2): B)). The said box (1a) is allocated outer dimensions on the horizontal level (a) corresponding to or at least somewhat smaller than the corresponding dimensions (b) of the said opening and stone. The said box (1a) is allocated an outer dimension on the vertical level (c) or a depth corresponding to or at least somewhat smaller than a selected depth (d) for the said opening. A frame or a number of frame sections (1s) are fitted to the lower peripheral edges of the said box where the outer peripheral edge areas (1t) of the frame or frame sections are adjusted to bear supportively underneath the opposite peripheral edge areas of the adjoining stones ((2): B).

Description

GROUND RELATED ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL AREA

This invention is assigned to a ground related arrangement and especially to a ground related, preferably illuminated display arrangement.

The designation "advertising sign arrangement" which occurs hereinafter should not be interpreted as a display arrangement directly adapted to advertising only, but the expression should also include various display arrangements that are intended for other applications like decree signs, signs of directions and the like.

The advertising sign arrangement according to this invention assumes that the arrangement consists of a box-shaped unit, hereinafter referred to as box, a number of light-generating instruments or corresponding imbedded in the box, and when needed a board displaying an advertising message which is placed in front of and in the direction of the light of the said light- generating instrument. The said board should be covered by a transparent board, which is intended as a cover of the box.

Furthermore, the invention assumes that the said advertising sign arrangement and its above mentioned box should be inserted into an opening.

PREVIOUS TECHNICAL POSITION

Ground related, lighted display arrangements of the above-mentioned nature are previously known in several different designs.

This being known, the patent publication GB-A-2 040 534 already knows a big sign arrangement, well defined by measures, using a horizontally oriented box (1) of rectangular shape e.g. 3, * 1.5 m with a thickness of 0.20 - 0,25 m. This box is adapted to be inserted in an opening in the ground (2) which shape corresponds to that of the box (1) and designed in a pavement (3) where the longitudinal sides of the box could be placed in parallel to the edge of the pavement (4).

The said sign arrangement has a number of light-generating instruments (7) in the form of fluorescent tubes imbedded in the box, and a board (5) displaying an advertisement message placed in front of and in the direction of the said light-generating instruments (7).

What is shown here, is the use of a transparent board (6), covering the said board (5) in doing which it is possible to insert the said box (1) into the opening mentioned. This being done, the transparent board (6) will be on level with the ground surface or the upper surface of the pavement.

REPORT ON THE PRESENT INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

Observing the technical considerations that an expert in this technical field must make to be able to offer a solution to one or more technical problems are partly an initial understanding of the actions and/or the series of actions that must be taken, partly a selection of the mean(s) required, the below technical problems ought to be relevant when creating the present object of innovation.

Considering the previous technical position as described above, it should constitute a technical problem to create a ground related lighted advertising sign arrangement that differs from the directions of the technical application and the dimensions assigned to the construction details of the sign arrangement stated in the above mentioned English patent publication. Moreover, to be able to assign conditions allowing the use of a significantly smaller advertising sign arrangement in for example an outdoor environment and placed in a surface area covered by a number of stones. The stones could be garden flagstones, tiles or the like.

The technical problem is to create the conditions for such an advertising sign arrangement and allow it the limited outer dimensions that makes it possible to place the sign arrangement in a set of stones, only by removing one or more of the neighbouring stones or when setting the stones, leaving out one or more of the neighbouring stones. For an advertising sign arrangement adapted for integration with a set of stones, it is a technical problem to create conditions that allow the upper surface of the said arrangement to constantly be within a small distance, say 1-4 mm, as 2 mm underneath the upper surface of the neighbouring stones, thus reducing the risk of stumbling and to eliminate snow-clearance problems like where the used ploughing arrangement touches and gets stuck to the upper part of the arrangement.

Then, there is a technical problem in the ability to understand the importance of and the advantages of letting the said opening be shaped by a number of stones located next to each other. Moreover, to understand that a box belonging to the advertising sign arrangement should be assigned outer dimensions in the horizontal level that are close to, or at least at bit less than the corresponding dimensions of the said opening. Moreover, the said box should be assigned an outer dimension or depth in the vertical level that is close to or at least a bit less the chosen depth of the said opening and thus the thickness of the stones in question. There is also a technical problem in understanding the importance of and advantages associated with the forming or application of a frame or a number of frames to the peripheral edges of the said box. The outer peripheral edges of those frames could be adjusted as supporting contacts against the opposite peripheral edges of the adjoining stones. There is also a technical problem in understanding the importance of and advantages associated with giving the said transparent board a dimension allowing expected strains and to be made from a board that is durable against scratches, like a plastic board sold under the - Margard - brand.

There is also a technical problem in understanding the importance of and advantages associated with making the said transparent board of a glass or Plexiglass material, with a thickness adapted to an expected load, like a thickness of 12 mm armoured glass. There is also a technical problem in understanding the importance of and advantages associated with the fastening of the said transparent board to the said box by a number of strips that are magnetically attracted and activated by an, as a suggestion, low-voltage electric current.

There is also a technical problem in understanding the importance of and advantages associated with assigning the said box such outer dimensions on the horizontal level and a dimension of depth on the vertical level that correspond to one or more, and/or a chosen piece of a whole, garden flagstone/tile or any other stone of standard measures.

Furthermore, it should be seen as a technical problem to understand the importance of allowing the said frame or parts of frame to be arranged with an adjusted distance of 1-10 cm, usually 3-6 cm or 1-3 cm, preferably about 5 cm, to be covered by one or more of the adjoining stones' peripheral edges facing the opening.

Moreover, it should be seen as a technical problem to understand the importance of and advantages associated with arranging the said frame or part of frame underneath the adjoining stones thus serving as support for these and ensuring that the upper surface of the advertisement sign arrangement will not rise above the top surfaces of the adjoining stones.

There is also a technical problem in understanding the importance of and the advantages associated with the application of one or more, to the upper peripheral edges of the said box, strips that are activated and magnetised by an electric current. Moreover, to apply to the underside of the said transparent board, one or more peripherally oriented metal strips of magnetic nature.

There is also a technical problem in understanding the importance of making one or more holes in the said box to allow drainage of condensation water. The said holes should be fitted with a nonreturn valve to prevent inflow of water.

There is also a technical problem in understanding the importance of a continuous plug-in of the said light-generating instruments to avoid condensation inside the box through an adjusted emission of heat.

There is also a technical problem in understanding the importance and advantages of letting the said board consist of a LCD screen, with an advertisement message that is interchangeable, through e.g. a video tape recorder, a selected TV channel and/or CD player or a PC (Personal Computer).

There is also a technical problem in understanding the importance and advantages of letting the said light-generating instruments consist of a transparent board service as a box, and a number of light-emitting bodies that are placed alongside one or more of the board's edges. There is also a technical problem in understanding the importance of fitting the said transparent board with one or more grooves, like milled grooves, in a Plexiglass material. There is also a technical problem to, by simple means, create such conditions that another board, serving as a mechanical protection, can be placed above the said transparent board. There is also a technical problem to create the conditions for the fitting of a lock between the said transparent board and the said box, during the construction of the by way of introduction described character.

There is also a technical problem in understanding the importance and advantages of letting the said light-generating instruments be arranged as a discontinuous plug-in for a illuminated advertising sign arrangement of the nature described in the beginning. To created by simple means the conditions allowing the said box to include an electric heating device instead of, or in addition to, the heat that can be expected to be emitted by the light- generating instruments, is also within the scope of this invention.

THE SOLUTION

To be able to solve one or more of the above described problems, the present innovation is based on a ground related lighted advertisement sign arrangement. It consists of a box and a number of light generating instruments or corresponding within the box. Furthermore, a board displaying an advertisement message could if required be placed in front of the said light generating instruments and in the direction of the light. A transparent board will cover the said board and the box could be inserted in a ground-related opening.

When the invention is applied in a place where garden stones/tiles or corresponding are used to cover then ground of a limited area, the said opening should be shaped as a number of adjoining stones/tiles. The said box should be assigned outer two-dimensional dimensions in the horizontal level that correspond to or are somewhat less than the two-dimensional dimensions that are selected for the opening. The said box should be assigned an outer dimension or dimension of depth on the vertical level that corresponds to or is somewhat less than the dimension of depth selected for the said opening. A frame or number of frame segments should be formed or applied to the lower peripheral edge of the said box. The said peripheral edges should be adjusted to bear on the lower complementary peripheral edges of the adjoining stones serving as support.

The forms for design that are within the frame of the present innovation especially propose that the said transparent board should consist of a board that is durable against scratches, like a plastic board sold under the - Margard - brand.

The said transparent board could also consist of a glass or Plexiglass material of a thickness that is adjusted to the dimensions of the box and the load that can be expected. The thickness could be up to 12 mm of a so-called armoured glass.

It is furthermore recommended that the said transparent board should be fixed to the said box by a number of strips belonging to the box, that are magnetically attracted or activated by an electric current of a low-voltage type.

The invention also recommends that the said box should be assigned outer dimensions on the horizontal level and a dimension of depth on the vertical level that correspond to one or more, or a part of, garden stone/tile of standard measure.

The said frame or frame sections are co-ordinated to the lower part of the box with a distance of 1-10 cm, like 3-6 cm or 1-3 cm or preferably approximately 5 cm, allowing them to be covered by the bottom peripheral edges of the adjoining stone.

Furthermore, it is recommended to apply one or more, to the upper peripheral edges of the said box, strips that are activated and magnetised by an electric current. Moreover, to apply to the underside of the said transparent board, one or more peripherally oriented metal strips of magnetic nature.

The present invention also recommends the possibility to let the said box include one or more holes intended for drainage of condensation water.

In this respect, each one of the holes may be fitted with a nonreturn valve to prevent inflow of water.

The said light generating instruments should be plugged in continuously to avoid condensation inside the box through an adjusted emission of heat.

To let the said board consist of a LCS screen with an interchangeable advertisement message is also within the scope of this invention.

Thus, the interchangeable advertisement message can be generated by a video tape recorder, a selected TV channel and/or a CD player or PC.

The innovation also allows the said light generating instruments to consist of a transparent board with a number of light-emitting bodies that are arranged along on or more of the box's edges.

Moreover, this transparent board could be fitted with on or more grooves, like milled grooves, in a Plexiglas material.

It is also possible to apply another board, as a cover board against mechanical agitation, on top of the said transparent board.

It is furthermore recommended that a mechanical lock should work between the said transparent board and the said box.

The said light generating instruments could also be plugged-in non-continuously to avoid condensation.

Additional electric heating devices could also be used.

ADVANTAGES

The conditions that allow an easy placement of an advertising sign arrangement in an opening, which can easily be formed by removing one or more garden stones/tiles in a stone- covered area, or when tiling an area leaving out one or more stones/tiles, are the main characteristics of the advantages of a ground related lighted advertising sign arrangement, with the significant characteristics of the present innovation.

It is also recommended to give the advertising sign arrangement outer dimensions that are a bit smaller than the inner dimension of the removed garden stones/tiles. Thus, the advertising sign arrangement will rest on a foundation and lie supported underneath the peripheral edges of the adjoining stones.

The top surface of the advertising sign arrangement will be placed a bit underneath the top surfaces of the adjoining stones. The main characteristics of a ground related lighted advertising sign arrangement according to the present invention are stated in the following descriptive part of the patent application 1.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Some currently proposed designs that show the significant characteristics of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawing where;

Figure 1 Gives a perspective view of an area covered by garden stones/tiles. One garden stone should be seen as removed and an advertising sign arrangement recommended by the invention is placed in the space or opening

Figure 2 Give a side view and cut of a first design of an advertising sign arrangement

Figure 3 Gives a level view of the arrangement that is mentioned in Figure 2.

Figure 4 Give a side view and cut of a second design of an advertising sign arrangement, and

Figure 5 Gives a level view of the arrangement that is mentioned in Figure 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENTLY PROPOSED DESIGNS

The present invention thus recommends as designs two ground-related lighted advertising sign arrangements, 1 and 1' respectively.

The ground related advertising sign arrangement 1 according to the figures 1 , 2 and 3, is placed in a stone-covered surface or ground area. For the sake of simplicity it is here shown as garden stones/tiles that are oriented in rows and columns where the rows are marked (1),

(2) and (3) while the columns are marked A, B, C and D respectively.

It should be obvious for any professional that the stone-covered area could be made larger or smaller than shown in figure 1 , and that the shape of the used stones could vary and differ from the square ones that are showed.

Figure 1 thus illustrates that a garden stone in position (2) : C, could be seen as removed and replaced by a ground related illuminated advertising sign arrangement 1, which is typical of the innovation.

It should be obvious for any professional that the advertising sign arrangement designated by the innovation could well cover a larger and more complex surface area. A simple change will be made by an arrangement where the stone positions (2) : B and (2) : C are removed and the outer shape of the advertising sign is changed to a corresponding rectangular shape.

For the sake of simplicity, the below description of a currently proposed form of execution should focus on a square or mainly square advertising sign arrangement that needs the space of only one garden stone/tile.

As the ground related lighted advertising sign arrangement 1 needs power supply, this can be provided by a thin feeder cable that is placed under one or more stones. This type of stone is represented here by the position (1) : C.

Referring to figure 2, a ground related lighted advertising sign arrangement 1 is shown there as described in figure 1.

The ground related lighted advertising sign arrangement 1 consists of a square box 1a, a number of light-generating instruments or corresponding 1 b that are imbedded in the box 1a.

And if required, a board 1c displaying an advertising message that is placed in front of (above) the said light-generating instruments in the direction of the light, and a transparent board 1d which covers the mentioned board 1c.

It is possible to insert or lower the said box 1a in an opening that is formed by stones that are adjacent to a removed stone/tile at the position (2) : C.

The said opening (2) : C will thus be formed between a number of adjoining stones in the positions (2) : B, (1) : C, (2) : D and (3) : C.

As the bottom frame 1s of the box a is arranged to extend beyond the outer limit surfaces of the box 1a, it should be obvious that the surrounding stones must be removed when the advertising sign arrangement 1 it put in place.

Then, the parts of the surrounding stones that face the advertising sign arrangement 1 should be put bearing on and pressing together with the frame 1s against a bedding.

On the horizontal level, the said box 1a is allocated two-dimensional outer dimensions, one of which designated -a- and connecting to or at least a bit smaller than the dimensions chosen for the said opening, where such a selected dimension or length is designated as -b- in figure

2. On the vertical level, the said box 1a is allocated an outer dimension or depth -c-, which connects to or is at least a bit smaller than the depth -d- chosen for the said opening.

Please note that the depth -c- should be measured from the upper surface 10 of the arrangement 1 to the upper part of the frame 1s. A thickness of 2-8 mm could be allocated to the frame 1s. Approximately 5 mm is proposed.

The depth -d- is the same as the thickness of the stones and is measured from the upper surface of the frame 1 s to the upper surface of the stone 11.

Practical experience shows that the distance d-c should always be positive but less than 5 mm. Values between 2 and 3 mm are suitable.

The said frame 1s or one or more frame sections are formed or applied to the lower edge of the said box 1a. The outer peripheral edge area 1t of the said frame 1s or said frame sections is adjusted to bear supportively underneath a peripheral edge area of adjoining stones to which the stated positions are allocated to form the said opening.

The said transparent board 1d consists of a material that is durable against scratches and formed as a board. A plastic board, which is sold under the brand name - Margard - is one example of boards that are durable against scratches.

The said transparent board 1d may consist of a glass board or a Plexiglas board of a thickness and durability adapted to the dimensions of the box and the estimated load.

It has been revealed that a thickness of approximately 12-mm has been required in some cases when armoured glass was chosen.

It is possible to attach the said transparent board 1d to the box through a number of strips that belong to the board and who are magnetically attracted and activated by an electric current.

One of these strips is designated 1f.

A low voltage like 12 volt or 24 volt DC should preferably supply the said electric current.

As mentioned earlier, the said box 1 a should be allocated outer dimensions on the horizontal level and a dimension of depth on the vertical level, that correspond to one or more, or parts of one whole, garden stone/tile of standard measures.

The said frame 1s and its edge area 1t are arranged with a distance of 1-10 cm, preferably about 2-8 like 5 cm, to range under be covered by and support the peripheral edge area of the adjoining stone.

Such distance is designated -e- in figure 1 and should be the same around the whole arrangement 1.

One or more, preferably four, strips or sections 1g that are activated and magnetised by an electric current are applied to the peripheral edge area of the said box 1a. One or more, preferably four, peripherally oriented metal strips or sections 1f of magnetic nature are applied to the said transparent board 1d.

The said box 1a has one or more holes 1 h in it intended for drainage of condense water.

It would be an advantage to fit a nonreturn valve to each respective hole to stop any influx of water.

The invention also states that the said light-generating instruments 1b should be plugged in continuously to avoid condensation through an adapted heat emission. The arrangement should also be locked by an activated magnetic influence between the strips 1f and 1g.

The said board 1d could also consist of a LCD screen, the advertising message of which would thus be interchangeable.

For this purpose, the LCD screen could be connected to a video tape recorder, a selected TV channel and/or a CD player or a PC.

The said light-generating instruments 1 b could, as shown in figures 2 and 3, include a transparent board or carrier 1k and several light-emitting materials, one of which is designated as 1 b, that are arranged along one or more of the edges of the box. The said carrier 1 k serves as a box 1a.

Furthermore, the said transparent board 1d or 1 k could be fitted with one or more grooves, like grooves milled in a Plexiglas material, on its upper surface.

It could also be possible to apply one more, however not shown, transparent board serving as a mechanical protection, on top of the said transparent board 1d.

A mechanic lock is arranged to work between the said transparent board 1d and the said box

1a. Such locks could be screws, braces or snap-in holders of various types.

The said light-generating material 1b could also be arranged for a non-continuous connection.

However, this discontinued connection should be working on a 24-hour basis to be able to emit enough heat to avoid condensation.

Furthermore, the said box 1a could include a separate heating device 1m.

The present innovation is thus described with respect to the first form of execution according to the figures 2 and 3.

The figures 4 and 5 show an alternative form of execution where the corresponding parts are designated in the same way but for the addition of an '-sign.

The first difference between the two forms of execution is the measure of depth which is designated -d'- 40-50 mm in figure 4 and -d- 20-30 mm in figure 2.

The second difference is the light-generating instruments that are a number of fluorescent tubes 1 b' in figure 4 while a number of light-emitting diodes 1 b are used in figure 2.

Moreover, the shapes of the boxes vary a bit to adjust to various forms of the opening that is available.

Figure 4 shows a connection cable 1p' that is not shown in figure 2.

The invention also indicates that if the advertising sign arrangement 1 should include four stone positions like (2) : B, (2) : C and (3) : B and (3) : C, it is possible to form an outside going edge that passes outside all four signs and these signs are kept in place by the adjoining garden stones/tiles.

The use of magnetic sections in the form of strips that are tightly fitted around the upper inside edge of the box, and a number of magnetic sections on the bottom side of the glass 1d in the form of glued iron strips, will have the effect that when a current is applied, the magnetism between the two will hold the glass 1d tight through the magnetic power between the said iron strips 1f and the magnetic sections 1g.

Another function of such a magnetic strip, which is affected by electricity, with its iron strip and rubber packing is to prevent unauthorised persons to access the sign to vandalise it. Only authorised persons can turn on/off the current to the sign and easily remove the glass 1d from the box 1a when the current is turned off.

Another possibility within the scope of the invention is to use a so-called LCD screen, a flat computer screen, a TV screen or the like.

It should be noted that the frame 1s could consist of a number of separate frame sections that are fastened to the lower edge area of the box 1a. Otherwise, the frame 1s could be seen as an extension of the bottom dimensions of the board outside the box 1a. Naturally, the invention is not limited to the above-described forms of execution. Modifications within the idea of the invention that is illustrated in the patent demand below could be allowed

Claims

Patent demand

1. A ground related lighted advertising sign arrangement, consisting of a box, a number of light-generating instruments or corresponding inside the box and if required one board displaying an advertising message or the like that is placed in front of the said light- generating instruments and in the direction of the light, and a transparent board to cover the said board, where it is possible to insert the said box into a ground related opening which is characterised by being formed between a number of adjoining stones, that the said box is allocated dimensions that correspond to or are at least somewhat smaller than the corresponding dimensions of the said opening, that the said box is allocated an outer dimension or depth on the vertical level that corresponds to or is at least a bit less than the selected depth of the said opening and that a frame or a number of frame sections, whose outer peripheral edge areas are adjusted to bear supportively under the opposite peripheral edge areas of the adjoining stones, are formed or applied to the lower peripheral edges of the said box

2 The arrangement according to the patent demand 1 , characte╧Çsed by the fact that a

board durable against scratches is selected as the said transparent board

3 The arrangement according to tne patent demand 1 , cnaracte╧Çsed by the fact that tne

said transparent board consists of a glass or Plexiglas mate╧Çal of a thickness

adjusted to the outer dimensions of the box, such as a thickness of 12 mm armoured

glass

4 The arrangement according to the patent demand , characte╧Çsed by the fact that the

said transparent board is fastened to the said box by a number of magnetic strips that

are attracted and activated by an electric current.

5. The arrangement according to the patent demand 4, characterised by the fact that the

said electric current is fed by a low voltage.

6. The arrangement according to the patent demand 1 , characterised by the fact that to

the said box is allocated outer dimensions on the horizontal level and a dimension of

depth on the vertical level that correspond to one or more, or a selected part of a

whole, garden stone/tile of standard measures.

7. The arrangement according to the patent demand 1 , characterised by the fact that the

said frame or frame sections are arranged to be covered by one or more of the

adjoining stones' peripheral edge areas facing the opening, with a distance of 1-10 cm,

referably about 5 cm.

8. The arrangement according to the patent demand 1 , characterised by the fact that one

or more strips that are activated and magnetised by a current are fitted along the

peripheral edge areas of the said box and one or more peripherally oriented metal

strips of magnetic nature, in the form of rails, are fitted to the said transparent board.

9. The arrangement according to the patent demand 1 , characterised by the fact that the

said box has one or more holes intended for the drainage of condensation water.

10. The arrangement according to the patent demand 9 characterised by the fact that

each respective hole is fitted with a nonreturn valve thus preventing an influx of water.

11. The arrangements according to the patent demand 1 , characterised by the fact that

the said light generating instruments are continuously plugged in to avoid condensation

by an adapted heat emission.

12. The arrangement according to the patent demand 1 , characterised by the fact that the

said board consists of a LCD screen, the advertising message of which is

interchangeable through a video tape recorder, a selected TV channel and/or a CD

player or a PC.

13. The arrangement according to the patent demand 1 , characterised by the fact that the

said light generating instruments and the said box consist of a transparent board, a

number of light-emitting materials, the latter are arranged along on or more of the

sides of the box.

14. The arrangement according to the patent demand 13, characterised by the fact that

the said transparent board is fitted one or more grooves, like grooves milled in a

Plexiglas material.

15. The arrangement according to the patent demand 1 , characterised by the fact that one

more board, a covering board, is fitted to the said transparent board.

16. The arrangement according to the patent demand , characterised by the fact that a mechanical lock is arranged to work between the said transparent board and the said

box.

17. The arrangement according to the patent demand 1 , characterised by the fact that the

said light-emitting materials are arranged for a discontinued connection.

18. The arrangement according to the patent demand 1 , characterised by the fact that the

said box includes an electric heating device.

19. The arrangement according to the patent demand 1 , characterised by the fact that that

the top surface of the said transparent board is adjusted a bit below the top surface of

the adjoining boards.