WO2011063431A2

WO2011063431A2 - Advertising apparatus and method of manufacturing the same

Info

Publication number: WO2011063431A2
Application number: PCT/ZA2010/000072
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Patrick Pearton; Rory Niall Pearton; Neil Arthur Phelan
Original assignee: Michael Patrick Pearton; Rory Niall Pearton; Neil Arthur Phelan
Priority date: 2009-11-19
Filing date: 2010-11-19
Publication date: 2011-05-26
Also published as: WO2011063431A4; WO2011063431A3

Abstract

The advertising apparatus (10) includes a base (20), an advertising layer (30) located on top of the base (20), and a transparent protective coating (40) covering the advertising layer (30). The base (20) is in the form of a metal disc formed by punching a substantially circular shape from a steel plate. In particular, the coating (40) is scratch resistant, has a non-skid surface, is chemically stable, is UV resistant, is impact resistant, and has a clear finish.

Description

ADVERTISING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an advertising apparatus and to a method of manufacturing such advertising apparatus. In particular, the invention is concerned with an advertising apparatus suitable for use in a parking lot. The invention also extends to an advertising arrangement utilizing the advertising apparatus of the invention.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Many different advertising apparatuses, and advertising arrangements utilizing such apparatuses, are known in the trade. There is furthermore also an ongoing drive to find more and better advertising space, and in particular to find advertising space with a high visual impact and awareness factor to intended addresses.

It has previously been proposed to provide advertising apparatuses in the vicinity of parking bays, where such advertising apparatuses will be noticed by motorists, both when driving over the apparatuses and/or when disembarking a vehicle parked adjacent such apparatuses. In particular, some advertising arrangements have therefore been proposed where the advertising apparatus is located on a surface of a parking bay.

Many shortcomings are however associated with these advertising arrangement known in the art. The advertising arrangement often forms part of curbs located at the end and/or sides of parking bays, thus rendering it difficult to install, and resulting in the advertising arrangement constituting an obstruction to unhindered movement of a vehicle and/or its passengers. In other embodiments, where the advertising apparatus is positioned substantially flush with the surface of the parking bay (such as painted surfaces), the display surface wears rapidly due to traction caused by vehicles, as well as due to continuous exposure to the elements, in particular UV rays of the sun.

l The inventors therefore believe that a need exists for providing an advertising apparatus and a method of manufacturing same that will, at least partially, alleviate the above disadvantages and which will be a useful alternative to existing advertising apparatuses, particularly insofar as parking bay advertising is concerned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing an advertising apparatus, the method including at least the steps of:

- providing a base;

- providing an advertising layer;

- securing the advertising layer to the base; and

- coating the base and advertising layer secured thereto with a transparent protective coating.

Providing the base may include at least the steps of:

- forming the base into a required shape and profile;

- applying a corrosion protection layer to the base;

- applying a primer layer to the corrosion protection layer; and

- applying a base coat to the primer layer.

The base may be in the form of a disc. Alternatively, the base may be any other planar shape such as, for example, square or rectangular.

The base may be substantially rigid, and is preferably in the form of a circular mild steel disc.

The base may have a thickness of between 1mm and 3mm, more preferably about Forming of the base into a required shape and profile may include chamfering an operatively upper peripheral edge of the base.

The step of applying a corrosion protection layer to the base may include at least the steps of:

- cleaning the base;

- applying a phosphate coating to the base; and

- applying a final coat using an electro-coating process.

There is provided for the phosphate coating to be a hot phosphate coating, and more preferably a zinc phosphate coating.

The final coat may be an emulsion of organic resins and de-ionized water, which is in a stable condition. The electro-coating process may include electro-painting and electrophoretic lacquering,

The primer layer applied to the corrosion protection layer may be in the form of an acrylic primer.

The base coat applied to the primer layer may be in the form of an acrylic white base coat.

The step of providing the advertising layer may include at least the steps of:

- applying a layer of cast vinyl film to the base; and

- applying advertising material to the cast vinyl film.

The advertising layer may be applied to the base using a suitable adhesive.

The step of coating the base and advertising layer secured thereto with a transparent protective coating may include applying a plurality of transparent top coats to the base and advertising layer. The advertising material may be printed directly onto the cast vinyl film.

Preferably, the top coat is a water-based top coat.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an advertising apparatus manufactured using the method as described above.

According to a still further aspect of the invention there is provided an advertising apparatus including:

- a base;

- an advertising layer secured to the base; and

- a transparent protective coating covering the base and the advertising layer.

The base may be in the form of a metal disc covered by a corrosion protection layer, a primer layer, and a base coat as described above.

According to yet a further aspect of the invention there is provided an advertising arrangement wherein an advertising apparatus as described above is applied to a surface of a parking bay.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention is described by way of a non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an advertising apparatus for use in an advertising arrangement in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic exploded cross-sectional side view of the advertising apparatus; and

Figure 3 is a plan view of a portion of an advertising arrangement utilising a plurality of the advertising apparatuses in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like features, a non-limiting example of an advertising apparatus in accordance with a first aspect of the invention is indicated by reference numeral 10. The advertising apparatus 10 includes a base 20, an advertising layer 30 located on top of the base 20, and a transparent protective coating 40 covering the advertising layer 30.

The base 20 is in the form of a metal disc formed by punching a substantially circular shape from a steel plate. In this example the base 20 is made of mild steel. The base 20 includes an upper surface 21 and a lower surface 22. A peripheral edge zone 23 of the base 20 is partially chamfered in order to remove the sharp edge, in so doing protecting both the advertising apparatus 10, as well as a tire of a vehicle driver over the advertising apparatus 10 in use, against damage. In addition, the chamfered corner reduces the trip-hazard that the advertising apparatus 0 can pose to a passerby.

In another embodiment (not shown) there is provided for the entire peripheral zone 23 of the base 20 to be beveled in order for the upper surface 21 to be at least partially convex, and for the lower surface 22 to be at least partially concave. The purpose of the beveled edge in this case is for it to fit into a circular groove having been provided in a surface to which the advertising apparatus 10 is to be secured. This will ensure that the body 20 closely abuts such surface, and that the advertising apparatus 10 will be secure relative to the surface. It is, however, foreseen that it will be possible to securely attach the advertising apparatus 10 to a surface without having to provide such a circular groove.

The advertising layer 30 is in the form of a disc, and is preferably made of, or covered with, cast vinyl. The diameter of the advertising layer 30 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the base 20. The advertising layer 30 includes an upper surface 31 onto which advertising material is in use applied, and a lower surface 32, which is in use secured to the upper surface 21 of the base 20 by the way of a suitable adhesive. The advertising layer 30 can be reflective or non-reflective, depending on user requirements. In the embodiment shown, advertising material is printed onto the layer 30 utilizing UV ink or solvent ink. However, it is foreseen that advertising material can be applied in many different ways.

The transparent protective coating 40 is in the form of a coating that meets the stringent criteria dictated by the arduous environment in which the advertising apparatus wil be utilized. In particular, the coating 40 is scratch resistant, has a non-skid surface, is chemically stable, is UV resistant, is impact resistant, and has a clear finish. The coating 40 requires an extremely high UV resistance in countries such as South Africa and Australia and a suitable coating 40 must therefore particularly be constituted for such environments.

Figure 3 shows a top view of an advertising arrangement in accordance with the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 50. The advertising arrangement 50 includes a ground surface having markings 52 designating a parking bay 51 in which a vehicle can be parked. The advertising arrangement 50 further includes an advertising apparatus 10 which has been secured in the ground proximate the markings 52 with the use of a securing formation and with the display surface 21 of the body 20 being only slightly raised from the ground. The layout of the advertising arrangement 50 will vary in accordance with the relevant parking bay arrangement.

The apparatus is attached to the parking bay surface immediately behind an area where a vehicle is parked in use in line with the free ends of the markings 52.

The target area is cleaned, usually by simple brushing but occasionally using a mild detergent as necessary to remove oil or grease.

An approximately 25mm wide circle of proprietary water-based, polymer bonding agent is applied to the parking bay surface and allowed to dry for approximately ten minutes.

An approximately 15mm wide circle of neutral silicone is then applied on top of the bonding agent and the apparatus 10 is pressed down, in position, onto this adhesive. As soon as the apparatus 10 is pressed into position the adhesive is effectively activated and can only be moved with significant effort and an appropriate tool. The full curing time of the adhesive is approximately four hours.

In order to remove the apparatus 10, a blade of a sharpened putty knife is forced under the edge of the apparatus 10 and the adhesive is cut through with a sawing motion. Excess adhesive is scraped off the parking bay surface with the putty knife, leaving the bonding agent exposed.

A thin film of acetone is applied to the exposed circle of bonding agent and allowed to react for approximately two minutes.

The bonding agent is then removed using a cloth applied to the surface with a rubbing movement.

A fitment jig can be provided to quickly and accurately position each apparatus in relation to the markings 52. The fitment and removal procedures do not interfere in any way with vehicle movement. The bonding agent protects the parking bay surface and ensures that it is not marked in any way in the event that it is necessary to remove the apparatus 10.

As mentioned above, the advertising apparatus 10 will be exposed to extreme conditions, both from an environmental and mechanical perspective. The method of manufacturing the advertising apparatus 10 is therefore of utmost importance, and has been designed and selected with the specific end use of the apparatus 10 in mind. The steps described below have therefore not been arbitrarily selected, but have been found to be the optimal solution for addressing the particular requirements.

A base 20 in the form of a circular metal disc is provided. The base 20 is made of mild steel, and has a thickness of about 2mm. It has been found that the above thickness range will result in a base 20 that is sufficient from a structural strength perspective, but which will still be thin enough to minimize the trip-hazard that it may pose to passersby. An upper peripheral edge 23 of the base 20 is subsequently chamfered in order to provide a gradual inclination between a surface to which the base 20 is applied in use and an upper surface of the advertising apparatus 10. This again reduces the trip- hazard, whilst also minimizing the potential relative damage between a tire and an edge of the apparatus 10.

Once the base 20 has been formed in the required shape and profile as described above, a corrosion protection layer is applied to the base 20 in order to protect the base 20 against corrosion. It should be noted that the advertising apparatus 10 will frequently be exposed to moisture, and the provision of the corrosion protection layer is therefore a very important step. The base 20 is first pre-cleaned by way of a rinsing process. A phosphate coating, preferably in the form of a zinc phosphate coating, is subsequently applied to the cleaned base 20. This is followed by a applying a final coat by a method known in the trade as e-coating. E-coating refers to electro coating, electro-painting, or electrophoretic lacquering, and is a high quality coating process which is well known in the trade. The coating itself is typically an emulsion of organic resins and de-ionized water, which is in a stable condition.

Once the corrosion protection layer has been applied, an acrylic primer layer is applied to the base 20, which enables the base coat to adhere to the e-coat. After the primer has been applied and has been allowed to cure for a sufficient time, an acrylic white base coat is applied to the base 20. Once the base coat has been allowed to cure, the base 20 is ready for receiving the advertising layer 30.

The advertising layer 30 is formed by printing advertising material directly onto a sheet of cast vinyl film. The sheet is then punched out into a suitable circular shape.

The advertising layer 30 is subsequently secured to the upper surface 21 of the base 20, and once secured the base 20 with the advertising layer 30 secured thereto is cleaned in preparation of the final coating process. A transparent top coat 40 is applied, and is preferably in the form of a waterbased coating having non-slip properties, which can withstand the abrasive effects of tires of vehicles driving over the apparatus 10, and which will also not undergo discoloration due to continued exposure to UV rays.

The advertising apparatus 10 is now ready for use, and can be installed, for example in the configuration shown in Figure 3 to form an advertising arrangement 51.

It is to be appreciated, that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment or configuration as hereinbefore generally described or illustrated.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing an advertising apparatus, the method including at least the steps of:

- providing a base;

- providing an advertising layer;

- securing the advertising layer to the base; and

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the step of providing the base includes at least the steps of;

- forming the base into a required shape and profile;

- applying a corrosion protection layer to the base;

- applying a primer layer to the corrosion protection layer; and

- applying a base coat to the primer layer.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base is in the form of a disc manufactured from mild steel.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the base has a thickness of between 1mm and 3mm, preferably about 2mm.

5. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein forming of the base into a required shape and profile includes chamfering an operatively upper peripheral edge of the base.

6. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the step of applying a corrosion protection layer to the base includes at least the steps of. - cleaning the base;

- applying a phosphate coating to the base; and

- applying a final coat using an electro-coating process.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the phosphate coating is a hot phosphate coating, preferably a zinc phosphate coating.

8. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the final coat is an emulsion of organic resins and de-ionized water, which is in a stable condition.

9. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the primer layer applied to the corrosion protection layer is in the form of an acrylic primer.

10. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the base coat applied to the primer layer is in the form of an acrylic white base coat.

1 . A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of providing the advertising layer includes at least the steps of:

- applying a layer of cast vinyl film to the base; and

- applying advertising material to the cast vinyl film.

12. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of coating the base and advertising layer secured thereto with a transparent protective coating includes applying a plurality of transparent top coats to the base and advertising layer.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the top coat is a water-based top coat.

14. An advertising apparatus including:

- a base;

- an advertising layer secured to the base; and - a transparent protective coating covering the base and the advertising layer.

15. An advertising arrangement wherein an advertising apparatus manufactured according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 is applied to a surface of a parking bay.

16. A method according to the invention for manufacturing an advertising apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described or exemplified.

17. A method of manufacturing an advertising apparatus including any new and inventive integer or combination of integers, substantially as herein described.

18. An advertising apparatus according to the invention substantially as hereinbefore described or exemplified.

19. An advertising apparatus as specifically described with reference to or as illustrated in any one of the accompanying drawings.

20. An advertising apparatus including any new and inventive integer or combination of integers, substantially as herein described.