WO2014167364A2

WO2014167364A2 - Cable management system for poster hoarding

Info

Publication number: WO2014167364A2
Application number: PCT/GB2014/051158
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sam Kimber Ross Cook; Craig Palmer
Original assignee: Urban Storm Management Limited
Priority date: 2013-04-12
Filing date: 2014-04-14
Publication date: 2014-10-16
Also published as: GB2512936A; WO2014167364A3; GB201306697D0

Abstract

A poster hoarding comprising a cable management system, the cable management system comprising: a plurality of spaced cable guides spaced around a perimeter portion of the poster hoarding, a primary length of cable having a portion that will extend around cable guides around that perimeter when a poster is fitted and taughtened within the hoarding, and a cable tightening mechanism for taughtening the poster when fitted, the cable tightening mechanism comprising: a mechanism by which a cable tensioning part can be pulled, either directly or indirectly, for tightening the primary cable length between the adjacent cable guides, and a geared winder having: a first component for winding up cable slack in that primary length of cable as the cable tensioning part is pulled and a smaller second component from which cable can be unwound as the cable tensioning part is pulled, the relative sizes of the first component and the second smaller component gearing the effect of the pulling such that the length of the primary length of cable that is wound up by the first component as the cable tensioning part is pulled is longer than the length of pull of the cable tensioning part.

Description

CABLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR POSTER HOARDING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a cable management system for a hoarding onto which a poster can be mounted using clamps, a cable and a winch and a method of mounting a poster on a mount, such as a billboard or a hoarding or a display panel, using such a system. The present invention also relates to advertising displays and method of displaying advertising.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Posters, such as found on advertising hoardings, have traditionally been held in place by an adhesive rolled on to the hoarding, followed by the poster which is formed of a number of sections of paper, canvas, fabric, bunting, cloth, tarpaulin or textile or the like. In order to mount posters such as banners, billboards, placards, signs, notices or other advertisements, or the like, it is necessary for the person mounting these to place each part in the correct place relative to the other parts so that the poster, as a whole, shows the desired imagery. Once the poster is no longer to be displayed, a new advertisement or the like is generally placed on top of the original in the same way, or the old poster may be removed and replaced with the new poster. Further, access equipment such as ladders, cranes, cherry pickers, scissor lifts or scaffold towers or the like are generally required.

Alternative poster mounting systems have been created such as those provided in PCT/GB2010/000045, the whole contents of which are incorporated herein by way of reference. These have utilised poster clamps around the perimeter of the poster and a cable tightening system linking those clamps, the cable extending around the perimeter of the hoarding for taughtening the poster upon the cable being tightened. This system allows quicker poster changes, without a long ladder for accessing the whole poster area, and the poster can be safely installed by a single installer. It also eliminates the need for any form of adhesive on the poster, and it allows backlighting to be fitted behind the poster. However, there remains the desire for poster hoardings to be made larger, or for them to be located in ever less accessible locations, such as on longer pillars or in more restricted locations, e.g. to reduce instances of tampering or to improve long range visibility. These developments call for longer cables and the cable can become excessively long on very large poster hoardings, or where the poster hoarding's poster aperture's bottom edge is located a long way above the ground, e.g. in excess of 2m above the ground. This can then lead to difficulties with cable management, or a lengthy process of cable winding to place a new poster into its taughtened state.

The present invention seeks to overcome or address at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a poster hoarding comprising a cable management system, the cable management system comprising:

a plurality of spaced cable guides spaced around a perimeter portion of the poster hoarding,

a primary length of cable having a portion that will extend around cable guides around that perimeter when a poster is fitted and taughtened within the hoarding, and a cable tightening mechanism for taughtening the poster when fitted, the cable tightening mechanism comprising:

a mechanism by which a cable tensioning part can be pulled, either directly or indirectly, for tightening the primary cable length between the adjacent cable guides, and

a geared winder having:

a first component for winding up cable slack in that primary length of cable as the cable tensioning part is pulled and a smaller second component from which cable can be unwound as the cable tensioning part is pulled, the relative sizes of the first component and the second smaller component gearing the effect of the pulling such that the length of the primary length of cable that is wound up by the first component as the cable tensioning part is pulled is longer than the length of pull of the cable tensioning part.

Preferably the cable tensioning part is a cable end. Preferably it has a carbine hook on its end for quick connection to a pulling mechanism.

Preferably the length that the cable tensioning part is pulled is the same as the length of cable unwound from the smaller second component, i.e. there is no gearing between those parts.

Preferably the pulling of the cable tensioning part is by a winch operated by the user, whereby the pulling is itself geared by the winch. The winch may have a cable on it with an end for attachment to the cable tensioning part, e.g. via the carbine hook.

Preferably the cable tightening mechanism comprises a winch with a removable handle, that handle being provided by the user when he comes to operate the system.

In place of a winch, the cable tightening mechanism may instead comprise a lever that is operable by the user, and the lever may instead provide a means for gearing the pulling of the cable tensioning part. In the same way that the geared winder can gear up the effect on the primary length of cable of the pulling of the cable tensioning part, the geared winder will also gear up the slackening of the primary length of cable, i.e. unwinding the wound up slack of the primary length of cable to present slack back into that cable for allowing the poster to be released, lowered and changed.

Preferably there are at least two distinct cables, one defining the primary length of cable and the other defining the cable tensioning part. Preferably the first is attached to the first component and the second is attached to the smaller second component. Preferably the cable tightening mechanism comprises a spring-based tension guide. Preferably it is detachable from the cable tensioning part, between the cable tensioning part and a mechanism for pulling that cable tensioning part.

Preferably the cable guides are located at four corners of a square or rectangular poster hoarding. The poster therefor will therefore be generally square or rectangular. Other shapes of poster/poster hoarding can also be provided, e.g. a suitably shaped poster hoardings, such as round, triangular or multi-sided, for a correspondingly, or suitably, shaped poster.

Preferably the geared winder is on a back-plate of the hoarding, within the confines of an outer frame of the hoarding. Preferably the first component of the geared winder is a wheel or reel. Preferably the wheel or reel is round or formed of spaced members that describe a circular shape. Preferably the diameter of that circle is at least 60cm, and more preferably it is about 1m.

Preferably the smaller second component of the geared winder is a wheel or reel. Preferably the wheel or reel is round or formed of spaced members that describe a circular shape. Preferably it has a diameter no more than half the diameter of the first component, and more preferably it is about a third of the diameter of the first component.

The gearing of the geared winder is a function of the respective circumferences or perimeters defined by the first component and the smaller second component, and is thus proportional to the respective diameters, where circular. Preferably the gearing is at least 2: 1 , although a preferred embodiment has it at about 3: 1.

Preferably the primary length of cable has a first fixed end, and from that end, when a poster is installed and taughtened within the hoarding, it then extends all the way around the perimeter portion of the poster hoarding around each cable guide in turn before then extending towards the first component of the geared winder. Preferably it has a second end attached to that first component. It will have a wound length wound around the first component when it is in its tightened state (i.e. when a poster is installed and taughtened within the hoarding). That wound length defines the amount of slack provideable by the unwinding of the first component.

Preferably cable tensioning part has a first end for attaching to a winding mechanism, either directly or indirectly, and from there it extends along a portion of the perimeter of the hoarding, preferably a bottom portion, to one of the cable guides, and from there it then extends to the smaller second component of the geared winder. Preferably it has a second end attached to that smaller second component. When the primary length of cable is in a slackened state, the smaller second component will have a wound length of cable on it.

A poster to be displayed can be attached to the primary length of cable using clamps, the clamps preferably fixedly engaging the edges of the poster and slidable engaging the primary length of cable. By using clamps of the type defined in the above- mentioned PCT application, or other hook-based attachments, this most usefully can be achieved without access to an end of the primary length of cable - such clamps can be hooked onto the cable, rather than needing to be threaded onto the cable via a free end of the cable. The clamps might, however, be pre-threaded onto the cable, i.e. before attaching its ends to the hoarding and first component, respectively, where that has been done.

Once the poster is attached, if the cable needs locating around the cable guides, that can be done next. A pole may be used to grasp the cable such that it can be pushed over the cable guides. Likewise, earlier the pole can be used to pull the cable/old poster down to the working height, which may be ground level, or at the height of the bottom of the perimeter of the hoarding. This invention therefore removes or reduces the need for long ladders or cherry pickers for the process of fitting or replacing a poster in the hoarding. After connecting the clamps to the poster, and to the cable, if needed in the circumstances, the cable is drawn tight using the cable management system. The poster as a result is then pulled to the outer edge of the hoarding and held in tension.

When the poster is to be removed, the cable is loosened or slackened for enabling access to all the clamps from ground or standing height level, or at the bottom portion of the perimeter of the hoarding, if appropriate. The poster can then be released from the clamps (if the clamps are to be reused), or the clamps can be released from the cable (if the new poster to be fitted is pre-fitted with clamps), and a new poster can then be fitted either to the old clamps or to the cable. The cable is then again drawn back tight to complete the installation of the new poster.

The cable tensioning system may use ratchets and levers to allow a sufficient tension to be provided and maintained. A cleat may even be used for securing the tension, whereupon the ratchet/lever/winch/spring tension guide may be removable. This allows a narrower hoarding to be provided - space is not needed for a winch/ratchet/lever.

Prior to final tensioning, the cable may need to be linked or fitted on to additional cable bearings, guides or hangers, typically ones that are evenly spaced around the perimeter of the hoarding, e.g. between the main cable guides, and this can be done again using the long pole, which may have a cable gripping or grabbing end feature. These additional cable bearings, guides or hangers are to ensure that there is no excessive droop in the cable when under tension, which droop could cause excessive distortion of the poster across the face of the hoarding.

In an alternative arrangement the cable may be pre-threaded around loop bearings from which the wire cannot escape. Such loop bearings, or other bearings that retain or encapsulate the cable are most preferred at least in the corners of the hoarding, and thus are preferably the form of the main cable guides. Cable tension can retain the cable in non-encapsulating bearing members, and re-hooking the wire around the edges of the hoarding, as opposed to at the corners, is relatively simple while the cable is not under tension, so long as the cable is correctly hooked on or retained in the corner cable guides.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a poster hoarding comprising a cable-based poster tensioning mechanism, that tensioning mechanism comprising a plurality of cable guides spaced around a perimeter portion of the poster hoarding, a primary length of cable having a portion that will extend around the cable guides around the perimeter when a poster is fitted and taughtened within the hoarding by the tensioning mechanism, and a cable tension retention mechanism for holding the cable in a tensioned condition, the cable tension retention mechanism being separate to the cable tension applying mechanism.

Preferably the cable tension retention mechanism is a cleat, a clutch or a rope jamming mechanism.

Preferably the end of the cable that is tensioned comprises a length of rope for fitting in the cable tension retention mechanism - e.g. a running cleat or a cam cleat.

Preferably the end of the rope is fitted with a shackle or carbine hook for easy attachment to, and separation from, the tension applying mechanism. Preferably the tension applying mechanism is a winch.

Preferably the winch is removable from the poster hoarding after use.

Preferably the winch is fitted to a slot in the hoarding. Preferably it is retained therein by one or more hook. Preferably the hook or hooks are on a flange. Preferably the flange is adapted to fit into the slot so that one or more hook thereon can engage on a respective number of pins therein. The or each pin may be a bolt that extends across the slot. The hook or hooks can engage on the pin or pins in a direction such that tensioning the cable prevents a detachment of the hook or hooks from the pin or pins.

Preferably between the winch and the end of the cable to be tensioned, a tension guide is provided. Preferably the tension guide takes the form of a spring tension guide. It can provide an indication when an appropriate tension is applied to the poster/cable.

By having the cable end securable in the cable tension retention mechanism, that tension retention becomes independent of any tension applying mechanism. Therefore, the tension applying mechanism need not remain in or on the hoarding once the tension is applied and retained. As a result it becomes optionally a removable component of the hoarding. As such, the tension applying mechanism can be used for multiple hoardings, thus allowing the hoarding to be less costly - the tension applying mechanism, which may be a winch, is sometime a relatively costly component of the hoarding.

Additionally, having the tension applying mechanism as a removable component allows the frame component of the hoarding to be made smaller (either or both thinner and less wide). That is because the frame component would not need to be sized to accommodate the tension applying mechanism, such as a winch or lever mechanism. The frame component may comprise a frame cover and a frame casing. If smaller, they could both be extruded in a less costly manner since it can be the dimensions of the extrusion die that dictate the cost of the extrusions. Even if not extruded, e.g. if instead the frame components are fabricated, the fabrication utilises less materials and thus will again be less costly.

Preferably the tension retaining mechanism is a running cleat, whereby as the cable or rope end is pulled through it, it automatically prevents retractions thereof. It can even be a chain-cleat, whereby the cable can have a chain component at its end that runs through the cleat.

In a preferred embodiment, the tension retaining mechanism works such that the cable, rope or chain can pass through it, with the cable, rope or chain being pullable in one direction through it (the cable tensioning direction), but such that the cable, rope or chain locks in it if attempted to be pulled in the opposite direction. Preferably it is a cleat with these features, and for that purpose it might comprise a pair of rotating grips or cams, with opposing faces, between which the cable, rope or chain extends. The tension retaining mechanism may be releasable, i.e. the tension can be allowed to release, by lifting or bending the cable, rope or chain out of the top or side of the clear, Alternatively, a button, a handle or a lever may be used to release the retention.

Embodiments other than a cleat may take the form of a clutch or rope jamming mechanism.

Suitable clutches, cleats and running cleats are readily available from sailing accessory stores. A particularly suitable cleat is sometimes sold as a cam cleat. Other forms of cleats, especially those that allow a running rope to automatically lock upon reversing its direction of movement, are also suitable.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a poster hoarding having a cable based poster tensioning mechanism therein, the poster tensioning mechanism comprising a length of cable, rope or chain that runs along a leg or arm of the poster hoarding to a cable tensioning point, the cable tensioning point being adapted to allow a cable tensioning mechanism to be used for pulling the cable, rope or chain for tensioning the cable, rope or chain to taughten a poster. Preferably the cable tensioning point comprises a housing and a connection point onto or into which a tensioning mechanism such as a lever or winch can be fitted for tensioning the cable, rope or chain.

Alternatively, a winch or lever may be pre-fitted at the cable tensioning point.

The cable, rope or chain may run through the leg or arm, or on the outside of the leg or arm.

Preferably the cable, rope or chain is protected, such as with a casing, or by being within the leg or arm, such that access thereto is not readily available - it needs to not be accessible to the public so as to offer security for the poster/cable mechanism - if cut, the poster or mechanism would be free to come loose from the hoarding. The cable tensioning point is at a position that is remote from the frame of the hoarding, typically on a leg of the hoarding, although it may be elsewhere remote from the frame of the hoarding. This allows a higher hoarding to be provided, since direct access to the frame of the hoarding is no longer necessary for servicing posters within the hoarding - that servicing can instead be achieved from a lower, or remote, position relative to the frame of the hoarding.

Preferably one or more pulley is provided for diverting the cable, rope or chain within the frame of the hoarding, either down or across towards the remote position.

Instead of being lower (e.g. down the leg), it may be to the side of the hoarding, e.g. along an arm of the hoarding. This is beneficial in particular for installations where the hoarding is located itself in an inaccessible location - the poster hoarding can still be serviced (posters replaced) from the remote position - i.e. an accessible location just next to the inaccessible location. This would be via the remote tensioning mechanism.

A pole with a hook can be utilized for grabbing the poster, or for hooking the cable over the cable guides of the poster tensioning mechanism, to further avoid the need for direct access to the framed area of the hoarding. Thus, full servicing is achievable remote from the frame.

This aspect of the invention, as with the other aspects of the invention, can be utilised with each of the other aspects.

Since the winching mechanism will not be within the frame in this aspect of the invention, clearly again a thin frame component, as per the previous aspect, would be useable. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a poster mounting system or apparatus or a poster hoarding as defined above, further comprising a guide frame or guide frame members over which the poster is taughtened as the cable is drawn from a slackened condition into a tightened condition, the guide frame (or the frame members) providing an edge over which the poster will flatten to provide a flat finish to the area of the poster lying within the guide frame. The tightening of the clamps onto the edges of the poster, and the tensioning of the poster by the resulting clamp-point attachments, can otherwise cause the poster to assume a somewhat creased or rippled finish. That creased or rippled finish is flattened out by the guide frame, at least for the area of the poster lying within the guide frame, i.e. the area that is viewed from outside the housing. Preferably the hoarding comprises edge covers, which may be hingedly attached to the hoarding. The edge covers are provided to hide the parts of the tensioning mechanism that lie outside the edge of the guide frame, and the clamps.

Where the guide frame is not provided, the edge covers cover the clamps and any parts of the tensioning mechanism lying outside the area circumscribed by the clamps.

Preferably the hoarding is square or rectangular, and the guide frame consists of at least four frame members - one for each side, each having a rounded edge over which the poster can be tightened. It is also envisioned that a side may have two or more linearly aligned frame members therealong.

Preferably the guide frame has a generally saw-tooth cross section, the tip defining the edge over which the poster is drawn to taughten it into a flat configuration. That tip is preferably rounded to a radius of not less than 2mm, although a flat edge is also possible.

The guide frame generally matches, or is larger than (so as to be covered thereby), the shape of the inner edge of the hoarding's external frame, i.e. the frame that defines the aperture through which the poster is viewed by the public.

Another aspect of the invention provides an advertising display or poster hoarding as defined above, further comprising a light for providing illumination. The light may be an array of lights. The light may be for illuminating the outside of the poster, or it may provide back-lighting. Preferably it provides back-lighting. Preferably it is in the form of LED strips, which for backlighting will extend behind the poster.

Preferably the geared winder is behind the light or lights, or at least some of the LED strips. Preferably to displace the cables extending from the edges of the hoarding towards the geared winder, to provide a space for the lights in front of the geared winder, a pulley- wheel arrangement is provided. These pulley wheels may be similar to pulley wheels provided for the cable guides. The axis of the pulleys of the pulley-wheel arrangement, however, will be perpendicular to the axes of the pulleys then provided for the cable guides. The light may be arranged to provide differing illumination, which illumination may be controllable or programmable to be different for different advertisements. The particular type, colour, pattern or brightness, for example, of the illumination emitted from the light (preferably the LED strips), may be correlated with the theme or branding of the poster's image.

The light or lights, such as the LED strips, may be arranged to produce a plurality of colours of illumination, each colour being provided to correspond with or suit a different advertisement displayed in the display, e.g. if the poster has more than one advertisement on it.

The light may be arranged to illuminate a surround of the advertisement display.

The light may be arranged to vary the illumination during the display of a particular advertisement.

Preferably the system of the present invention uses a set of poster clamps for attaching the poster to the primary length of cable. Preferably each poster clamp comprises first and second members, the members comprising first and second gripping surfaces, respectively, for gripping opposing sides of a poster or the like.

The two members can be arranged for pivotal movement with respect to one another and can have a clamping device for clamping the two surfaces towards one another.

Either one or both of the surfaces may be gripping surfaces, i.e. surfaces with surface features to enhance grip.

Further details of a preferred clamp are provided in the above-mentioned PCT application. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of mounting a poster onto a hoarding. The method may make use of the above-mentioned systems, apparatus or hoardings and can make use of one or more poster clamps as defined above or below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an implementation of the invention on a billboard having mounted therein a poster having dimensions of approximately 6 by 3 meters;

Figures 2 to 4 show an example of a poster clamp for use with the present invention;

Figures 5 to 7 show a hoarding fitted with an approximately 6 by 1 meter poster; Figures 8 to 15 show a hoarding with neither a poster nor clamps, showing the cable arrangements and a geared wheel of a preferred embodiment;

Figures 16 and 17 schematically illustrate a modification where LED lights are arranged to lie in a plane between the geared wheel and the poster;

Figure 18 schematically illustrates a modification in which the pulley can be mounted or mountable on a leg of the hoarding, rather than within the main frame thereof;

Figures 19 to 22 illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention, having a removable winch;

Figures 23 and 24 show a section through a preferred frame component, with a hinged cover; and Figures 25 to 27 show a further embodiment, similar to that of Figures 19 to 22.

In some figures in each group, certain details or covers may have been removed for allowing hidden items or components to be visible.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring first to Figures 1 to 7 two sizes of poster hoarding, and a type of poster clamp 1 , are shown. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 5, and then in greater detail in Figures 6 and 7, these hoardings utilise a cable or wire based tensioning system that involves a wire or cable 210 that is provided in a ring or a loop around the edges of the hoarding. The ring or wire can be tightened by a tightening mechanism - in this embodiment, a winch 44.

To hold a poster on the hoarding, the wire 210 can receive a plurality of poster clamps 1 such as those disclosed in Figures 2 to 4, or in Figures 6 and7, or as described in PCT/GB2010/000045, the whole contents of which are incorporated herein by way of reference.

In this embodiment, one free end of the wire or cable 210 is fixed 36 in a corner bracket 24 of the mount - see Figure 7. The wire 210 then passes through loops, or on clips or bearings, i.e. cable guides, around the edge of the hoarding, or the mount. The wire 210 can slide through or over these loops or bearings. Loops may take the form of simple eye screws, or may be customised guides with grooves provided therein. The guides might even have pulleys in them for assisting in guiding the wire when it is tightened from a slack condition. Such pulleys are preferred wherever there is a substantial cable direction change, e.g. the corners.

The loops or bearings or guides, especially any without pulleys, may be made from or with a low friction material, or may just have a low friction coating, such as PDFE, for assisting with that wire guidance to prevent excessive resistance to tightening.

As mentioned above, the wire is fixed to the mount. This occurs at a fixing point 36, which is preferably at a corner of the mount or hoarding, although it might be elsewhere around the mount or hoarding.

The clamps are releasably attachable to the wire and to a poster, as described in greater detail in GB0818052.3 and the above PCT application.

The clamps are retained on the wire upon tensioning the wire - the wire cannot then easily be bent out of the clamp's wire-engaging mechanism - the multiple hooking mechanisms 74 resist such a removal by facing in opposing directions - see Figure 4. However, when the wire is loose, poster clamps which connect the poster to the wire loop can be attached to the wire 210 by bending it around those hooking mechanisms 74.

Since the cable is longer than the loop, when the wire is loose, it can be pulled preferably at least down to the bottom edge of the hoarding's frame so that all the clamps can be attached to the cable, or pre-attached cables can be attached to the poster, down at that level. More preferably the wire or cable 210 can be drawn down to ground level (or to a base level) to make the attachment even safer - no climbing equipment such as ladders or the like is needed. A hook, perhaps on a pole, might be needed to pull the loop down, or to free it from cable guides (where possible). This ensures that less climbing is needed than would otherwise be needed.

Once mounted to the wire, as the wire is tightened with the tightening mechanism, e.g. the winch 44, the wire will slide through the corner cable guides (e.g. the pulleys) such that the poster is pulled to the edges of the poster mounting for opening out the poster in full. The pole and hook can then lift or place the wires at the edges of the poster over any remaining cable guides before a final tightening of the wire or cable 210 for taughtening the poster across the face of the hoarding. When the poster is to be removed, the wire 210 is again slackened. This is for example by releasing the winch 44 for allowing the tension in the wire to be reduced. This then allows the wire to be moved away from the edge of the hoarding, e.g. off the cable guides. Once that has occurred, the clamps may then be removed from the wire, and/or the poster removed from the clamps.

Often the poster will be removed from the clamps without removal of the clamps from the wire - the clamps can be reused. Sometimes, however, the poster will arrive with poster clamps pre-fitted, and thus it just needs to be fitted onto the wire or cable instead of the old poster and clamps.

Any poster clamp that can engage the edge of a poster, and also the wire, can be used in this system.

Figure 1 shows a possible positional arrangement for the poster clamps 1 and bearings 10, 12 on a poster mounting system of the invention. The poster clamps 1 are roughly equally spaced around the perimeter of the billboard - 2 on each side and for at the top and bottom. It is possible, however, that additional poster clamps 1 will be provided, for example closer into the corners of the poster. Likewise they may be more closely spaced apart around the edge of the poster. This can give a better or flatter taughtening of the poster when the cable is tightened. Figure 5 illustrates an alternative poster hoarding with a different clamp arrangement - two clamps are provided on each side - but nearer the corners, and 6 are provided at the top and bottom.

Typical spacings between clamps 1 may be between 500 and 800mm, although other spacings are possible too.

Adjacent the corners, the spacing from the clamp 1 to the corners is preferred to be much less, For example, the distances may be between 100mm and 300mm. By making that distance smaller, it is possible to ensure that the poster correctly tightens not just along the sides of the poster, but also into the corners of the poster.

As seen in Figure 1 , the poster clamps 1 are typically located between a pair of bearing members 10 along the sides of the poster mounting system and between the corner bearing members 12, four of which are provided in this embodiment, and an adjacent side bearing member.

The arrangement shown in Figures 5 to 7 clearly illustrates four corner bearing members 12 and twelve side bearing members 10. In this embodiment there are five side bearing members 10 along each long edge and one on each short edge. This should be adequate for a poster of approximately of 6 x 1 meters. Other numbers are possible, as may become appropriate depending upon the size of the hoarding, and the strength of the medium onto which it will be mounted.

Clamps 1 are also shown in these drawings. They are engaging an edge of a poster. One clamp 1 is illustrated between each pair of side bearing members, or between each corner bearing member and its adjacent side bearing member 10. However, additional clamps 1 may be used in practice. They will generally be located, however, such that they won't foul against the bearing members. Referring next to Figures 2 to 4, a brief description of an embodiment of clamp will be provided. The clamp comprises a first member 3 and a second member 5. Between the first and second members 3, 5, this embodiment has a pivotal connection. It also comprises a third member 70.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the first and second members, 3, 5, both have gripping surfaces 7. Each gripping surface 7 is formed from a plurality of parallel grooves. The grooves extend between the sides of the first and second members, i.e. parallel to the wire 210 once the clamp 1 is mounted thereto.

The grooves are formed by serrations that have an approximately equilateral section. Preferably, the point angle of the triangle is between 75 and 40°, although angles of about 70°, 60° and 50° have been found to be suitable for providing an adequate grip. The most preferred angle is approximately 50°. Other shapes can also be used, for example saw-tooth arrangements with non equal sides, or rounded shapes.

The grooves of the first member 3 are displaced relative to the grooves of the other member 5 so as to allow the serrations to intermesh upon clamping the clamp into a closed position. This allows a poster to adopt a shape corresponding to the grooves so as to increase the clamping strength of the poster within the jaw 72 of the clamp 1.

Grooves other than parallel grooves might be provided instead of the parallel grooves. 5 Further, in place of the grooves, other shaped gripping means can be provided.

Referring next to Figure 4, three hook members 74 are illustrated. Those hook members 74 are for hooking the clamp 1 onto the wire 210. Two of the hook members point their openings in one direction and the third (middle) hook member points its opening in the opposing direction. This is to prevent the inadvertent release of the clamp 1 from the wire 210, such as while the wire 210 is extending in a straight line between the hook members 74 (i.e. in a condition where the wire 210 has been tightened). In order to disengage the wire 210 from the hook members 74, the wire 210 will therefore need to be slackened. Then it can be bent around the hooks 74. The clamp 1 , therefore, is securely retained on the wire 210, albeit in a manner that allows it to be easily removed therefrom, if desired by a user.

As is readily apparent from the drawings, the three hook members 74 are spaced apart relative to one another along the length of the wire 210. That spacing allows the wire to be removed from the hook member 74 upon bending it around the hook members 74. All three hook members in this embodiment are attached to a rear edge of just one of the first and second members 3, 5. In this example that member is the first member 3. This means that the hook members 74 are in a permanently fixed position relative to one another.

Additional hook members can be provided too, e.g. to improve the robustness of the connection to the wire.

Other clamping or gripping mechanism can also be utilised. The present invention is not limited to this form of clamp 1.

Preferably all three members 3, 5, 70 are moulded components made of a tough plastic material, e.g. a GRP. Many suitable plastics are known in the art. The clamp might alternatively be made from a metal casting, or by some other well established method or material.

Typically the clamps are approximately 7 to 8 cm wide, 3 to 4 cm deep and 6 to 7cm long. Typically the grooves in the gripping surfaces are between 1 and 2mm deep. Other sizes, e.g. for smaller or larger posters, could also be made.

Referring next to Figures 8 to 15, a further hoarding is shown, this time with the poster removed to allow more of the cable pathway and the internal mechanism to be viewed. As can be seen in the figures, this hoarding has a guide frame 250 fitted to it. Although optional, it is preferred for assisting with the flattenning of a poster as it is taughtened.

The guide frame 250 is formed in this example from four members, two down the sides and two across the top and bottom. They may instead be made of multiple components per length, as in PCT/GB2010/000045, the whole contents of which are incorporated herein by way of reference.

The guide frame members in this example have a generally constant section in the transverse plane relative to the lengths thereof of a single saw-tooth, as can be seen in Figures 14 and 15. The ends, however, in this example have cover members 256 to mask any sharp edges for avoiding or reducing the risk of inadvertent poster rippage. The tip of the saw-tooth is rounded in this embodiment since in use, or at least while mounting a poster into a hoarding, the poster will rub or slide over the tip of it.

In this embodiment, to the sides of the saw-tooth, flanges extend parallel and in plane relative to one another. They are for attaching the horizontal guide frame members to the back of the hoarding, e.g. with screws. For that purpose, holes are provided.

The substantially constant cross section is interrupted intermittently along the length of the horizontal guide frame members 252 by cut-outs in the flanges. Those cut outs are located for receiving brackets of the pulleys or the like around the perimeter of the hoarding. As a result, the guide frame members can sit flat against the back of the hoarding, and the brackets can likewise be mounted as close as possible to them, while still also being flat on the back of the hoarding (i.e. rather than overlapping those flanges. This is beneficial since the guide frame function most efficiently when their tips together all form a single flat plane, as will become readily apparent below.

Referring next to Figures 19 to 22, a further embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. This embodiment, like the others, has a frame surrounding an aperture in which a poster can be displayed. The frame has a top, a bottom, a left and a right. The top and bottom are each comprised of two front covers 240, one of which is open on the bottom edge. The sides each comprise a single cover 242, the left one of which is open as well. By being open, clamps 1 can be seen, although these are not shown here to be connected to a poster. Further, the cable 210 can be seen. It extends around the aperture for allowing the clamps 10 to tension a poster across the aperture.

This embodiment also has a guide frame 250 over which the poster can be taughtened to provide a flat finish to the poster.

There are also pulleys 252 in each of the corners (one shown), which pulleys may be a double pulley in the bottom corner as shown since the loop of cable will extend through more than one loop around the hoarding - to provide a length for tightening the cable, as opposed to the length that provided the positions at which the poster is attached.

The frame also has further cable guides 254 on mounts 10. These are for hooking the cable onto when tightened, or prior to a final tightening, so as to correctly locate the poster within the aperture. There is also a winch 44, provided for applying tension to the cable, as necessary for tightening it. This winch 44, more clearly shown in Figures 20 and 21 , and 22, is removable in this embodiment. As such, as shown it can be larger than the out-of- poster-plane depth of the frame.

As shown in Figure 22, the frame's cover - the bit that is hingedly open (and details of which hinge - a preferred arrangement - can be seen in the sections of Figures 23 and 24), will not yet close due to the winch 44 extending outwardly from the plane of the poster further than the extent of extension of the cover that is closed (the other one on the bottom).

Having a slimmer frame provides a more slim appearance to the hoarding as a whole, especially where no light-box is needed behind the poster. Referring now to Figures 25 to 27, again a winch 44 is shown. It has a removable handle 46, as before, but that handle is shown in this embodiment.

The cable end 48 extending from the winch has a carbine hook 50 on its end for connecting it to a tension guide 52. The tension guide 52 has a spring 54 and two longitudinally separable members 56, 58. That longitudinal separation or relative movement is achieved through the provision, in this example, of two bolts and slots (one shown - 60) so that when a predetermined tension has been applied to the cable 210, the spring compresses and the bolts can slide in their slots to their other ends, thus signifying adequate tension as having been applied. This prevents an over- tensioning of the cable.

A further loop of the cable 210 is also shown - the loop to which the clamps 1 are attached. This further loop is the one that is hooked onto the cable guides 64 on the mounts 10 to ensure that the poster is correctly taughtened across the whole of the aperture of the hoarding.

The cable end that is being tensioned by the winch 44 also has a carbine hook 70 on its end. That carbine hook is attached in this embodiment to a length of rope via a further carbine hook 72. That carbine hook and rope links the cable end to the cable of the winch via the tension guide 52, again by a carbine hook 74 - at the other end of the rope. The length of rope between the two carbine hooks 72, 74 is fed through a tension retaining means - in this embodiment in the form of a cam cleat. This cam cleat has a top sprung cam 80 and a bottom sprung cam 82, which together can grip the rope to allow tensioning - passage in a first direction, but to resist slackening - passage in the opposite direction. However, the cleat is open to the top to allow rapid attachment and detachment simply by pulling inwardly and outwardly the free end of the rope so as to bias the rope into the cleat.

Other forms of cleat or clutch, as commonly used on boats, can also be adopted for this purpose - tension retention.

Referring to Figure 27, the cam cleat of this embodiment can be seen in greater detail. The opposing faces have grips (serrations) thereon to ensure adequate grip. The winch, and its carbine hook and the tension guide, have also been disconnected from the rope so that the cam cleat is retaining the tension in the cable 210 without the presence of the winch either on the frame or on the hoarding as a whole.

As shown in Figure 26, which shows one way in which the winch 44 is removable from the frame of the hoarding, the mount for the winch has a flange with a pair of hooks 100, thereon. Those hooks can engage with bolts 102 on a slot mount 104 that is bolted to the frame. The slot mount 104 has a slot 106 into which the flange 108 will slide. The slot is longer than the width of the flange so the flange can slide in and down the slot for engaging the hooks 100 onto the bolts. The hooks are thus directioned such that their return 110 extends in the direction that the flange will move when the pull of the winch applies against the cable end for pulling. This will then lock the flange within the slot so that the hooks, the flange and the winch attached thereto cannot be removed from the bolt 102 when the cable is in tension. This frame arrangement can also be used with the geared winder.

Referring next to Figures 16 and 17, there is shown an adaptation of the hoarding to include lighting. In this example, the hoarding has the geared winder. Similar lighting can also instead be fitted to the hoarding of Figures 19 onwards - without the geared winder. The hoarding comprises an array of lights 311 in a plane lying in front of the geared wheel, as shown in Figure 17. The lights or the illumination means 311 is arranged to provide illumination for the poster - backlighting in this case, and it might be variable illumination. In the present embodiment, the illumination means is a plurality of LEDs mounted in respective strips or LED modules 314. In the present embodiment, the LEDs are connected by wires.

Although LEDs are described in the present embodiment, it would be apparent that other illumination means can be used, such as incandescent light bulbs, OLEDs, fluorescent lamps, or the like.

In operation, the intensity of the illumination from the LEDs can be varied, if required.

The LEDs in the respective LED modules can be connected in series, so that the overall intensity of illumination from the LED module 314 varies uniformally. Alternatively, each LED in the LED module 314 may be individually controlled.

Further, subsets of LEDs in the module 314 may be controlled as separate groups. The separate groups may, for example, relate to different colours of LED. In this case, the overall colour of the illumination emitted from the LED can be varied by varying the intensity of the illumination provided by the different groups. In one embodiment, three groups are provided, one of red, one of green, and one of blue, LEDs. There may be a fourth group, of white LEDs. Each of these colour groups may be further divided into groups that can be individually controlled representing different regions of the advertising display. In this way, both the colour and intensity of light emitted from different regions of the advertising display can be varied, as required.

They can be widely spaced apart, as shown, or more closely arranged if preferred for providing a resolution suitable for creating illuminated imagery - in the case where different coloured LEDs are provided, each LED 316 may be individually controlled, if required.

The LEDs may be controlled in a number of ways known in the art. For example, a lighting controller (not shown) may be provided to use information received to select the required lighting effect, sequence or colour pattern. The sequence information can be communicated to the LEDs via a databus, for example by the DMX protocol, other databuses would also be suitable. Alternatively, the control information to be sent to the LEDs may be in the form of a voltage, a currents or a variable duty cycle pulse with modulated waveform or the like. A decoder may be provided with each LED. In this way, each decoder can identify instructions provided for the particular LED which is attached thereto. In this way, each LED may be separately controlled via a single, series connection. This information is then relayed to the lighting and power is provided so as to power the lighting.

In a further embodiment an amplifying device, such as a transistor or other power amplifier is provided which directly drives the LEDs. Where each LED is controlled individually, the lighting controller can be configured to do this. Each LED may have a dedicated amplifier in this case.

Instead of backlighting, lighting may be provided by way of a light source provided in front of the advertising display. The light source may comprises a plurality of LEDs. However, as with all embodiments, alternative light sources may be employed. The LEDs may be controlled together, or individually, or in groups, as discussed above. However, as the light source is mounted in front of the advertising display and illuminates the front of an advertisement mounted in the display, rather than illuminating through the advertisement, the visual effect will be different.

The light source might be mounted on a post, e.g. above the advertising display. However, other configurations would be possible, for example at other locations around the display. As with the previously described embodiments, the light source illuminates the advertisement in the advertising display and the illumination provided may be changed, either with the change to the advert displayed or while the advertisement remains the same.

If the illumination is a variable one, either for this embodiment or the previous ones, the change of illumination may be gradual, smooth, merged, blended, rapid or a step transition.

In a further possible embodiment, colour filters may be used, rather than coloured LEDs, with the colour filters being controlled to change the colour of the illumination from the illumination means.

A user interface may be provided which may indicate the status information, aid in setup of the advertising display, be used for programming, or provide diagnostic or operational information. Further, an optional input device may be provided, which may be a card reader, a modem or some other device to facilitate the programming of the lighting controller with the required sequence or sequence or sequences of illumination. The lighting controller may receive information to facilitate change in a variety of configurations. In a first configuration, a link is provided with the existing scrolling controller, allowing it and the lighting controller to operate in synchronisation, as is known. Alternatively, the lighting controller may be provided with additional sensors to determine the status of the advertising display or the surroundings and enable the lighting controller to synchronise appropriately (e.g. between day and night)

In all of the embodiments described above, a further illuminating means may be provided. This further illuminating means may provide a constant illumination to supplement, or complement the illumination provided by the illumination means. For example, where the illumination means provides a backlighting, or surround lighting effect, the further illumination means may provide the main illumination for the advertisement itself.

In any of the embodiments described above, the brightness emitted from the illumination means may be made to vary by means of an automated timer, to allow the display to vary in brightness, for example in the rhythm of a heart beat.

Further, in all the embodiments described above, as well as, or instead of varying the colour and/or brightness of light emitted by the light sources, one or more filters may be provided as part or all of the illumination means. The filter(s) may be controlled to vary the colour and/or brightness of illumination passing out of the advertising display. These colour filters may be provided on a front surface of the display, through which an advertisement is viewed, behind the advertisement, from the point of view of one viewing the advertisement, or to illuminate a surround or area around the advertising display.

In a further embodiment, one or more other inputs such as a passive infrared sensor, or timer, or measurement of external light are also provided in order to provide further information regarding how the illumination means should function, for example, to ensure that the appropriate level of illumination is provided. The present embodiments are exemplary in nature and various omissions, additions or modifications may be made within the scope and spirit of the invention, the invention also extending to any such omissions, additions or modifications. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

For example, references in the claims to a cable, includes a rope or chain or wire.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. A poster hoarding comprising a cable management system, the cable management system comprising:

a geared winder having:

2. The hoarding of claim 1 , wherein the cable tensioning part is a cable end.

3. The hoarding of claim 2, wherein the cable end has a carbine hook on it for quick connection to a pulling mechanism.

4. The hoarding of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length that the cable tensioning part is pulled is the same as the length of cable unwound from the smaller second component.

5. The hoarding of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pulling of the cable tensioning part is by a winch operated by the user, whereby the pulling is itself geared by the winch.

6. The hoarding of claim 5, wherein the winch has a cable on it with an end for attachment to the cable tensioning part.

7. The hoarding of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable tightening mechanism comprises a winch with a removable handle, that handle being provided by the user when he comes to operate the system.

8. The hoarding of any one of the preceding claims, wherein there are at least two distinct cables, one defining the primary length of cable and the other defining the cable tensioning part.

9. The hoarding of claim 8, wherein the first distinct cable is attached to the first component and the second distinct cable is attached to the smaller second component.

10. The hoarding of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable tightening mechanism comprises a spring-based tension guide.

11. The hoarding of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable guides are located at four corners of a square or rectangular poster hoarding.

12. The hoarding of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the geared winder is on a back-plate of the hoarding, within the confines of an outer frame of the hoarding.

13. The hoarding of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component of the geared winder is a wheel or reel.

14. The hoarding of claim 13, wherein the wheel or reel is round or formed of spaced members that describe a circular shape, the diameter of that circle being at least 60cm, and more preferably it is about 1m.

15. The hoarding of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the smaller second component of the geared winder is a wheel or reel.

16. The hoarding of claim 15, wherein the wheel or reel is round or formed of spaced members that describe a circular shape, the diameter being no more than half the diameter of the first component, and more preferably it is about a third of the diameter of the first component.

17. The hoarding of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary length of cable has a first fixed end, and from that end, when a poster is installed and taughtened within the hoarding, it then extends all the way around the perimeter portion of the poster hoarding around each cable guide in turn before then extending towards the first component of the geared winder.

18. The hoarding of claim 17, wherein the primary length of cable has a second end attached to the first component.

19. The hoarding of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable tensioning part has a first end for attaching to a winding mechanism, either directly or indirectly, and from there it extends along a portion of the perimeter of the hoarding, preferably a bottom portion, to one of the cable guides, and from there it then extends to the smaller second component of the geared winder.

20. The hoarding of claim 19, wherein the cable tensioning part has a second end attached to the smaller second component.

21. The hoarding of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable tensioning system comprises a cleat for securing the tension, whereby the cable tightening mechanism may be removable.

22. A poster hoarding comprising a cable-based poster tensioning mechanism, that tensioning mechanism comprising a plurality of cable guides spaced around a perimeter portion of the poster hoarding, a primary length of cable having a portion that will extend around the cable guides when a poster is fitted and taughtened within the hoarding by the tensioning mechanism, and a cable tension retention mechanism for holding the cable in a tensioned condition, the cable tension retention mechanism being separate to the cable tension applying mechanism.

23. The hoarding of claim 22, wherein the cable tension retention mechanism is a cleat, a clutch or a rope jamming mechanism.

24. The hoarding of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the end of the cable that is tensioned comprises a length of rope for fitting in the cable tension retention mechanism.

25. The hoarding of claim 24, wherein the end of the rope is fitted with a shackle or carbine hook for easy attachment to, and separation from, the tension applying mechanism.

26. The hoarding of claim 25, wherein the tension applying mechanism is a winch.

27. The hoarding of claim 26, wherein the winch is removable from the poster hoarding after tensioning the cable.

28. The hoarding of claim 27, wherein the winch is fitted to a slot in the hoarding.

29. The hoarding of claim 27 or claim 28, wherein the winch is retained on the hoarding by one or more hook.

30. The hoarding of claim 29, wherein the hook or hooks are on a flange.

31. The hoarding of claim 30, wherein the flange is adapted to fit into a slot in the hoarding so that the one or more hook thereon can engage on a respective number of pins therein.

32. The hoarding of claim 31 , wherein the or each pin is a bolt that extends across the slot.

33. The hoarding of any one of claims 22 to 32, wherein between the tension applying mechanism and an end of the cable to be tensioned, a tension guide is provided.

34. The hoarding of claim 33, wherein the tension guide takes the form of a spring tension guide to provide an indication when an appropriate tension is applied to the poster/cable.

35. The hoarding of any one of claims 22 to 34, wherein the tension retaining mechanism is a running cleat, whereby as the cable or rope end is pulled through it, it automatically prevents retractions thereof.

36. The hoarding of any one of claims 22 to 35, wherein the tension retaining mechanism comprises a pair of rotating grips or cams, with opposing faces, between which the cable extends.

37. A poster hoarding having a cable based poster tensioning mechanism therein, the poster tensioning mechanism comprising a length of cable, rope or chain that runs along a leg or arm of the poster hoarding to a cable tensioning point, the cable tensioning point being adapted to allow a cable tensioning mechanism to be used for pulling the cable for tensioning the cable to taughten a poster.

38. The hoarding of claim 37, wherein the cable tensioning point comprises a housing and a connection point onto or into which a tensioning mechanism such as a lever or winch can be fitted for tensioning the cable.

39. The hoarding of claim 37, wherein a winch or lever is pre-fitted at the cable tensioning point.

40. The hoarding of any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein the cable runs through the leg or arm, or on the outside of the leg or arm.

41. The hoarding of any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein the cable is protected, such as with a casing, or by being within the leg or arm, such that access thereto is not readily available.

42. The hoarding of any one of claims 37 to 41 , wherein one or more pulley is provided for diverting the cable within the frame of the hoarding, either down or across towards the cable tensioning point at a remote position relative to the frame of the hoarding.

43. The hoarding of any one of claims 1 to 21 , also being in accordance with any one of claims 22 to 42.

44. The hoarding of any one of claims 37 to 42, also being in accordance with any one of claims 22 to 36.

45. The hoarding of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a guide frame or guide frame members over which the poster is taughtened as the cable is drawn from a slackened condition into a tightened condition, the guide frame (or the frame members) providing an edge over which the poster will flatten to provide a flat finish to the area of the poster lying within the guide frame.

46. The hoarding of claim 45, further comprising edge covers are hingedly attached to the hoarding.

47. The hoarding of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a light for providing illumination.

48. The hoarding of claim 47, the light being an array of lights.

49. The hoarding of claim 47 or claim 48, wherein the light provides back-lighting.

50. The hoarding of any one of claims 47 to 49, when dependent upon claim 1 , wherein the geared winder is behind the light.

51. The hoarding of claim 50, wherein to displace the cables extending from the edges of the hoarding towards the geared winder, and to provide a space for the lights in front of the geared winder, a pulley-wheel arrangement is provided.

52. A poster hoarding substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 8 to 18.

53. A poster hoarding substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 19 to 27.

54. A poster gripped by clamps in a hoarding according to any one of the preceding claims.

55. A method of mounting a poster into a poster hoarding according to any one of the preceding claims, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.