WO2002073574A1

WO2002073574A1 - Advertising device

Info

Publication number: WO2002073574A1
Application number: PCT/GB2002/001206
Authority: WO
Inventors: Douglas Robertson
Original assignee: Claremont Office Interiors Ltd
Priority date: 2001-03-14
Filing date: 2002-03-14
Publication date: 2002-09-19
Also published as: GB0324052D0; GB0106224D0; GB2392771A

Abstract

This invention relates to devices (10; 100; 200; 300; 400; 500) used for advertising. In particular, advertising material is placed in a transparent plastics pocket (22) on a headrest cover (11). Alternatively, advertising material is affixed to a rotatable belt (226) or a plurality of triangular shaped prisms (426) which, on rotation, allow a variety of advertising material to be displayed on a headrest cover. Furthermore, a DVD player or other image-generator may be used to supply advertising images to a display screen (522) on a headrest cover (500).

Description

ADVERTISING DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to devices used for advertising. It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a device for providing .advertising.

It is a further object of embodiments of the present invention to provide an advertising device which is easy to manufacture and easy to fit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an advertising device for fitting over part of a seat, which device comprises a cover and a receptacle wherein the receptacle is adapted to receive information-bearing material.

Preferably, the cover is shaped to fit over a headrest of a seat. Alternatively, the cover is shaped to fit over at least part of an upright section or backrest of a seat.

Preferably, the receptacle comprises a transparent plastics cover.

Preferably, there is an opening between the cover and the receptacle.

Preferably, the opening may be closed using a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro (Registered Trade Mark) . Preferably, the cover has an elasticated waist.

Preferably, the cover is made from an elastic material such as Spandex, as is sold under the Lycra Trade Mark. Preferably, the advertising device is washable. Preferably, the cover is adapted to be attached to a seat in one or more of cars, taxis, aircraft, buses, trains, ships or ferries.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of displaying information- bearing material wherein information bearing material is retained in a receptacle on a cover and is thereby displayed .

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an advertising device which comprises a substantially flat base and a receptacle.

Preferably, the receptacle comprises a transparent plastics cover which is attached to the substantially flat base . Preferably, there is an opening between the substantially flat base and the receptacle to enable information bearing material to be inserted into the receptacle .

Preferably, the opening may be closed using a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro (Registered Trade Mark) .

Preferably, the base is adapted to be attached to a dashboard in cars, taxis, buses or trains.

Preferably, the substantially flat base is formed of leather or imitation leather. Preferably, the advertising device is adapted to be attached to a dashboard using a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro (Registered Trade Mark) .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of displaying information- bearing material wherein information-bearing material is placed in a receptacle in an advertising device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of selling advertising space, the method comprising the steps of: displaying information-bearing material in a receptacle in an advertising device wherein the information-bearing material is replaceable with other information-bearing material; and receiving payment for displaying such information. Companies, for example any of the following: taxi companies, airlines, bus companies, train companies, shipping and ferry companies providing headrest covers for their seats may therefore have this service provided by another company, possibly free of charge, and perhaps in exchange for maintaining, laundering and replacing the covers wherein the other company sells the advertising space .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided an advertising device for fitting over part of a seat which device comprises a cover and a rotatable screen for displaying information to a viewer, wherein the information being displayed is variable by rotation of the screen.

Preferably, the screen is in the form of a continuous sheet or belt.

Preferably, the screen is mounted around at least two rotatable members .

Preferably, the rotatable members are cylinders mounted substantially horizontally, one above the other. Alternatively, the cylinders may be mounted- verticall .

Preferably, at least one of the rotatable members is rotated by a motor. The motor may be electrically or battery powered. Alternatively, the member may be adapted for manual rotation. It is further preferred if the screen is intermittently rotated, the information being displayed is maintained stationary for at least part of the time.

Advantageously, the screen is advanced substantially one screen length at a time, with the screen then being kept stationary, for say about 20 seconds, before being rotated again.

Alternatively, the screen is in the form of a plurality of rotatable members wherein the rotatable members carry information on their surfaces . Preferably, the rotatable members are substantially triangular in section.

Preferably, the information is carried on the side surfaces of the members .

Preferably, the rotatable members are substantially vertically mounted and each rotates about a central vertical axis thereof.

Preferably, the rotatable members are rotated by an electric motor, most preferably a battery operated motor. Alternatively, the members may be manually rotatable. Preferably, the rotatable members are intermittently rotated so that the information being displayed is stationary for at least part of the time.

Preferably, the triangular members are rotated in unison by about 120° about their central vertical axes and then kept stationary for about 20 seconds before undergoing a further 120° rotation.

Preferably, the cover is shaped to fit over a headrest of a seat.

Alternatively, the cover is shaped to fit over at least part of an upright or backrest section of a seat.

Preferably, the screen is situated behind a transparent window of toughened glass or plastics material. Preferably, the cover is made from an elastic material such as Lycra (Registered Trade Mark) . Preferably, the cover is adapted to be attached to a seat in one or more of cars, taxis, aircraft, buses, trains, ships or ferries.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided an advertising device for fitting over part of a seat, which device comprises a cover and an electronic display screen.

Preferably, the electronic display screen is an electronic flat screen device which is connected to a DVD player. Preferably, the cover is shaped to fit over a headrest of a seat.

Alternatively, the cover is shaped to fit over at least part of an upright section or backrest of a seat.

Preferably, the cover has an elasticated waist. Preferably, the cover is made from an elastic material such as Lycra (Registered Trade Mark) .

Preferably, the advertising device is washable.

Preferably, the cover is adapted to be attached to a seat in one or more of cars, taxis, aircraft, buses, trains, ships or ferries.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an advertising device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; .

Figure 2 is a front view of an advertising device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an advertising device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an advertising device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a front view of part of the advertising device shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an advertising device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an advertising device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Shown in Figure 1, there is an advertising device generally designated 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The advertising device 10 comprises a headrest cover 11 comprising a front and back portion 12, 14; two side portions 16, 18; and an elasticated waist 20. On the back portion 14 there is a transparent polymeric or plastics pocket 22.

The cover 11 is shaped so as to fit over headrests as provided in, for example, cars, taxis, aircraft, buses, trains, ships or ferries, and to serve as a replaceable headrest cover. As shown in Figure 1, the advertising device 10 is about 10 to 40cm long, 10 to 40cm high and has a side depth of about 10 to 40cm. The front and back portions 12, 14 and the side portions 16, 18 of the cover are made from an elastic material, such as Lycra (Registered Trade Mark) .

The transparent plastics pocket 22 is about 5 to 30cm long and about 5 to_30cm high and is situated substantially in the middle of the back portion 14. The transparent plastics pocket 22 is glued or sewn onto the cover back portion 14. Three of the sides of the transparent plastics pocket 22 are glued or sewn leaving one side unattached to receive printed card or paper with advertising material written or printed thereon. As shown in Figure 1 (by the two arrows A) , the side of the transparent plastics pocket 22 nearest to the side portion 16 is left unattached to receive the advertising material. Although not shown, the unattached side of the transparent plastics pocket 22 may have a Velcro (Registered Trade Mark) or other fastener so as to retain advertising material in the transparent plastics pocket 22.

In use the advertising device 10 is pulled over a headrest wherein both the elastic material of the front and back portions 12, 14 and the side portions 16, 18 and the elasticated waist 20 securely attach the advertising device

10 to the headrest.

The advertising device 10, when fitted, directs the transparent plastics pocket 22 containing the advertising material towards the person (s) occupying the seat behind.

Therefore advertising material placed in the transparent plastics pocket 22 will clearly be seen by the person (s) sitting behind.

It should be appreciated that for different sizes and shapes of headrests, different sizes and shapes of advertising devices may be used.

Shown in Figure 2, there is a further advertising device generally designated 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The advertising device 100 comprises a substantially rectangular substrate

102 onto which a transparent plastics pocket 104 is attached.

The advertising device 100 is designed to fit on, for example, the dashboard in cars, taxis, buses or trains. It should also be appreciated that the advertising device 100 may also be used in any other suitable areas, for example, such as on seat backs, doors, walls or any other substantially planar surfaces.

The rectangular substrate 102 is about 10 to 40cm long and about 10 to 40cm high. The rectangular substrate 102 is made from, for example, leather or imitation leather material .

The transparent plastics pocket 104 is glued or sewn onto the substrate 102 leaving one of its sides unattached to receive a printed card or paper with advertising material written or printed thereon. Although not shown, the unattached side of the transparent plastics pocket 104 may have a Velcro (Registered Trade Mark) fastener so as to retain securely hold advertising material in the transparent plastics pocket 104. To fit the advertising device 100, Velcro (Registered Trade Mark) pads (not shown) may be attached to the back face of the advertising device 100 which are used to attach themselves to corresponding Velcro (Registered Trade Mark) pads on, for example, the dashboard of cars, taxis, buses or trains .

Shown in Figure 3, there is a further advertising device generally designated 200 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The advertising device 200 fits over the upright or backrest section of a seat and comprises a front and back portion 212, 214; two side portions 216, 218; and an elasticated waist 220. On the back portion 214 there is a transparent plastics pocket 222. The advertising device 200 is shaped so as to fit over the backrest of a seat in, for example, cars, taxis, aircraft, buses, trains, ships or ferries and to serve as a replaceable seat cover. As shown in Figure 3 the advertising device 200 is about 10 to 40cm long, 10 to 100cm high and has a side depth of about 10 to 40cm.

The front and back portions 212, 214 and the side portions 216, 218 are made from an elastic material, such as Lycra (Registered Trade Mark) .

The transparent plastics pocket 222 is situated substantially in the middle of the back portion 214 and is as described in the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

In use the advertising device 200 is pulled over the backrest of a seat wherein both the elastic material of the front and back portions 212, 214 and the side portions 216, 218 and the elasticated waist 220 securely attach the advertising device 200 to the seat.

The advertising device 200, when fitted, directs the transparent plastics pocket 222 containing the advertising material towards the person (s) occupying the seat behind. ■ Therefore advertising material placed in the transparent plastics pocket 222 will clearly be seen by the person (s) sitting behind.

It should be appreciated that for different sizes and shapes of seats, different sizes and shapes of advertising devices may be used.

Shown in Figures 4 and 5, there is a further advertising device generally designated 300 according to fourth embodiment of the present invention. The advertising device 300 comprises a front and back portion 312, 314; two side portions 316, 318; and an elasticated waist 320. On substantially the middle of the back portion

314 there is a housing 322 attached.

The advertising device 300 is shaped so as to fit over a headrest in, for example, cars, taxis, aircraft, buses, trains, ships or ferries and to serve as a replaceable headrest cover. The advertising device 300 is about 10 to

40cm long, 10 to 40cm high and has a side depth of about 10 to 40cm.

The front and back portions 312, 314 and the side portions 316, 318 are made from an elastic material, such as Lycra (Registered Trade Mark) .

The housing 322 is about 5 to 40cm long, about 5 to

40cm high and has side depth of about 1 to 10cm. The housing 322 comprises a transparent window 324 which is made of toughened glass or plastics material. The back of the housing 322 is glued onto the back portion 314.

The housing 322 contains a rotatable belt 326 which rotates about two substantially horizontally mounted cylindrical rollers 328, 330. As shown in Figure 5 the rollers 328, 330 have narrower sections 328a, 328b, 330a, 330b at their ends which are received in similarly shaped recesses 332a, 332b,

334a, 334b in vertically mounted members 332, 334. The vertically mounted members are secured on opposite sides of the housing 322. The rollers 328, 330 are freely rotatable in the vertically mounted members 332, 334.

The rollers 328, 330 are connected to a battery operated motor (not shown) . On rotation of the rollers 328, 330 the belt 326 also rotates. The belt 326 carries advertising material on its outer surface.

In use, the advertising device 300 is pulled over a headrest wherein both the elastic material of the front and back portions 312, 314 and the side portions 316, 318 and the elasticated waist 320 securely attach the advertising device 300 to the headrest.

The advertising device 300, when fitted, directs the belt 326 containing the advertising material towards the person (s) occupying the seat behind. Therefore advertising material placed in the housing 322 will clearly be seen by the person (s) sitting behind. Furthermore, on rotation of the rollers 328, 330 the advertising material on the belt 326 which is viewed by the person (s) occupying the seat behind is varied.

The motor rotates the belt 326 intermittently. For example, the belt 326 is rotated one screen length at a time and is then kept . stationary, for say 20 seconds, before the other half of the belt 326 is rotated around the rollers 328, 330.

The transparent window 324 is also removable allowing access to the housing 322 which enables different belts 326 containing different advertising material to be fitted.

It should be appreciated that for different sizes and shapes of headrests, different sizes and shapes of advertising devices may be used. Shown in Figure 6 there is an advertising device generally designated 400 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The advertising device 400 comprises a front and bac portion 412, 414; two side portions 416, 418; and an elasticated waist 420. On the back portion 414 there is a housing 422 attached. The advertising device 400 is shaped so as to fit over a headrest in, for example, cars, taxis, aircraft, buses, trains, ships or ferries and to serve as a replaceable headrest cover. The advertising device 400 is about 10 to 40cm long, 10 'to 40cm high and has a side depth of about 10 to 40cm. ,

The front and back portions 412, 414 and the side portions 416, 418 are made from an elastic material, such as Lycra (Registered Trade Mark) . The housing 422 is about 5 to 40cm long, about 5 to

■40cm high and has side depth of about 1 to 10cm and is situated substantially in the middle of the back portion 314. The housing 422 comprises a transparent front window 424 which is made of toughened glass or plastics material. The back of the housing 422 is glued onto the back portion 414 of the advertising device 400.

The housing 422 contains a plurality of vertically mounted triangular-shaped prism members 426 which carry advertising material on their surfaces. The triangular-shaped prism members 426 are rotatable and are coupled to a motor (not shown) .

In use, the advertising device 400 is pulled over a headrest wherein both the elastic material of the front and back portions 412, 414 and the side portions 416, 418 and the elasticated waist 420 securely attach the advertising device 400 to the headrest.

The advertising device 400, when fitted, directs the triangular shaped prisms 426 carrying the advertising material towards the person (s) occupying the seat behind. Therefore advertising material placed in the housing 422 will clearly be seen by the person (s) sitting behind. Furthermore, on rotation of the triangular shaped prisms 426, the advertising material on the prisms 426 which is viewed by the person (s) occupying the seat behind is varied. The motor rotates the triangular shaped prism members 426 intermittently. For example, all of the triangular shaped prism members 426 are rotated in unison by 120° about their central vertical axes and then kept stationary, for say about 20 seconds, or sufficient time to read or view the advertising material, before undergoing a further 120° rotation.

The transparent front window 424 is also removable allowing access to the housing 422 which enables a different set of triangular shaped prisms 426 containing different advertising material to be fitted.

It should be appreciated that for different sizes and shapes of headrests, different sizes and shapes of advertising devices may be used. Shown in Figure 7, there is an advertising device generally designated 500 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The advertising device 500 comprises a front and back portion 512, 514; two side portions 516, 518; and an elasticated waist 520. On the back portion 514 there is a electronic display screen 522 connected to DVD player (not shown) .

The advertising device 500 is shaped so as to fit over a headrest in, for example, cars, taxis, aircraft, buses, trains, ships or ferries and to serve as a replaceable headrest cover. The advertising device 500 is about 10 to 40cm long, 10 to 40cm high and has a side depth of about 10 to 40cm.

The front and back portions 512, 514 and the side portions 516, 518 are made from an elastic material, such as Lycra (Registered Trade Mark) .

The electronic display screen 522 is about 5 to 40cm long and about 5 to 40cm high and has side depth of about 1 to 10cm and is situated substantially in the middle of the back portion 514. The electronic display screen 522 is glued or sewn onto the back portion 514 of the advertising device 500 .

The DVD player and electronic display screen are typically battery powered.

Claims

1. An advertising device for fitting over part of a seat, which device comprises a cover and a receptacle wherein the receptacle is _radapted to receive information-bearing material .

2. An advertising device according to claim 1 wherein the cover is shaped to fit over a headrest of a seat.

3. An advertising device according to claim 1 wherein the cover is shaped to fit over at least part of a backrest of a seat.

4. An advertising device according to any preceding claim wherein the receptacle comprises a transparent plastics cover.

5. An advertising device according to any preceding claim wherein there is an opening between the cover and the receptacle .

6. An advertising device according to claim 5 wherein the opening is closable by a hook and loop fastener.

7. An advertising device according to any preceding claim wherein the cover has an elasticated waist.

8. An advertising device according to any preceding claim wherein the cover is of an elastic material.

9. An advertising device according to claim 8 wherein the elastic material is of Spandex.

10. An advertising device according to any preceding claim wherein the advertising device is washable.

11. An advertising device according to any preceding claim wherein the cover is adapted to be attached to a seat in one or more of cars, taxis, aircraft, buses, trains, ships or ferries.

12. A method of displaying information-bearing material wherein information bearing material is retained in a receptacle on a seat cover and is thereby displayed.

13. An advertising device which comprises a substantially planar base and a receptacle for information- bearing material .

14. An advertising device according to claim 13 wherein the receptacle comprises a transparent plastics cover which is attached to the substantially planar base.

15. An advertising device according to any of claims 13 or 14 wherein there is an opening between the substantially planar base and the receptacle to enable information-bearing material to be inserted into the receptacle .

16. An advertising device according to claim 15 wherein the opening is closable using a hook and loop fastener .

17. An advertising device according to any of claims 13 to 16 wherein the cover is adapted to be attached to a dashboard in one or more of cars, taxis, buses or trains.

18. An advertising device according to any of claims

13 to 17 wherein the substantially planar body is formed from leather or imitation leather.

19. An advertising device according to any of claims 13 to 18 wherein the device is adapted to be attached to a dashboard using hook and loop fasteners.

20. A method of selling advertising space, the method comprising the steps of: displaying information-bearing material in a receptacle in an advertising device in accordance with the device of any of claims 1 to 11; and receiving payment for displaying such information.

21. An advertising device for fitting over part of a seat, which device comprises a cover and a rotatable screen for displaying information, wherein the information displayed is variable by. rotation of the screen.

22. An advertising device according to claim 21 wherein the screen is in the form of a continuous belt.

23. An advertising device according to any of claims 21 or 22 wherein the screen is mounted about at least two rotatable members.

24. An advertising device according to claim 23 wherein at least one of the rotatable members is motor driven .

25. An advertising device according to any of claims 21 to 24 wherein the screen is adapted to be intermittently rotated so that the information being displayed is stationary for at least part of the time.

26. An advertising device according to any of claims 21 to 25 wherein the screen is rotatable one screen length at a time with the screen then being kept stationary for a period of time before being rotated again.

27. An advertising device according to claim 21 wherein the screen is in the form of a plurality of rotatable members, the rotatable members . carrying information on their surfaces.

28. An advertising device according to claim 27 wherein the rotatable members are substantially triangular.

29. An advertising device according claims 27 or 28 wherein the rotatable members are substantially vertically mounted and are rotatable about respective central vertical axes .

30. An advertising device according to any of claims 27 to 29 wherein the rotatable members are motor driven.

31. An advertising device according to any of claims 27 to 30 wherein the rotatable members are intermittently rotatable .

32. An advertising device according to any of claims 27 to 31 wherein the members are adapted to be rotated in unison in 120° steps and then kept stationary for a time period before undergoing a further 120° rotation.

33. An advertising device according to any of claims 21 to 32 wherein the cover is shaped to fit over a headrest of a seat .

34. An advertising device according to any of claims 21 to 32 wherein the cover is shaped to fit over at least part of a backrest of a seat.

35. An advertising device according to any of claims 21 to 34 wherein the screen is situated behind a transparent window.

36. An advertising device according to any of claims

21 to 35 wherein the cover is of an elastic material.

37. An advertising device according to claim 36 wherein the elastic material is Spandex.

38. An advertising device according to any of claims 21 to 37 wherein the cover is adapted to be attached to a seat in one ore more of cars, taxis, aircraft, buses, trains, ships or ferries.

39. An advertising device for fitting over part of a seat which comprises a cover and an electronic display screen.

40. An advertising device according to claim 39 wherein the electronic display screen is an electronic flat screen device and is connected to an image generating apparatus .

41. An advertising device according to any of claims

39 or 40 wherein the cover is shaped to fit over a headrest of a seat .

42. An advertising device according to any of claims 39 or 40 wherein the cover is shaped to fit over at least part of a backrest of a seat.

43. An advertising device according to any of claims 39 to 42 wherein the cover has an elasticated waist.

44. An advertising device according to any of claims 39 to 43 wherein the cover is of an elastic material.

45. An advertising device according to claim 44 wherein the elastic material is Spandex.

46. An advertising device according to any of claims 39 to 45 wherein the advertising device is washable.

47. An advertising device according to any of claims 39 to 46 wherein the cover is adapted to be attached to a seat in one or more of cars, taxis, aircraft, buses, trains, ships or ferries.