WO2016181153A1

WO2016181153A1 - A banner assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2016181153A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/051368
Authority: WO
Inventors: Craig Jones
Original assignee: Craig Jones
Priority date: 2015-05-12
Filing date: 2016-05-12
Publication date: 2016-11-17
Also published as: GB2539973A; GB201513331D0; GB201508095D0

Abstract

A banner assembly (1) is disclosed for single handed use comprising an elongate body (2) attachable to a wearable member (3); a stop member located within the elongate main body (2); and a banner (6). A portion of the banner is attached to the stop member for retaining one end of the banner (6) within the elongate body (2). The banner (6) is configurable between a first configuration where the banner (6) is disposed within the elongate body and a second configuration in which at least part of the banner (6) extends from the elongate body (2). This enables the banner (6) to be brought to an event in the stored state and then displayed at the event in an extended state so as to display the surface of the banner (6) that is provided with text and/or an image. Such a banner assembly (1) may, for example, be implemented at sporting events.

Description

A banner assembly

This invention relates to a banner assembly, in particular a banner assembly to be used by supporters of sporting events.

Banners and flags are used in many different situations. They are commonly used for sporting events, political events, for other celebratory events or even for advertising.

When considering sporting events, it is common to use flags or banners to celebrate and promote the team of the supporter. Such flags may comprise a pole and a piece of material, whereby an image, text or other graphical representation is displayed on the surface of the material. The material type may vary from, for example, paper, plastic and fabric. However, to fully display the surface of the flag the pole is commonly manoeuvred by the holder. It is usual to hold the flag at a first end and to move the second end such that it traces a figure of eight pattern. If the flag or banner is large then the user may need to apply two hands to the pole. Such flags require a significant amount of space to enable the necessary movement for the face of the flag to be viewed and can lead to aches and injury through repeated use. Further, the pole of the flag may be considered a danger in certain sporting environments where the pole could be used as a weapon.

Smaller flags or banners may be held in one hand, but these are not usually large enough for the image to be observed over large distances which is the ultimate objective of the flag.

It is known to omit the pole of the larger flags and to use the material part of the flag on its own. In such cases the user must use both hands to provide tension to the flag so as to display its surface. It is also known to wear the flag, drape the flag over a balcony edge or for multiple people to hold various ends of the flag. However, regardless of how the flag is displayed, the flag can be a bulky and awkward object and may distract the holder from the sporting event that they have paid to see.

Therefore, the present invention and its embodiments are intended to address at least some of the above described problems and desires. In particular it enables a person to carry the banner in a stored state which is convenient and non-obtrusive to others, whilst enabling the surface of the banner to be displayed when desired in a reliable and reproducible manner with limited effort being applied by the user. It also provides for a convenient way of returning the banner from a first state in which a face of the banner is displayed to a second state in which the banner is stored away.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a banner assembly for single handed use comprising:

an elongate body attachable to a wearable member;

a stop member located within the elongate body; and

a banner, a portion of the banner being attached to the stop member for retaining one end of the banner within the elongate body,

wherein the banner is configurable between a first configuration where the banner is disposed within the elongate body and a second configuration in which at least part of the banner extends from the elongate body.

The banner assembly may further comprise a wearable member attached to the elongate body to form an integral element. The elongate body may have at least one attachment member comprising an array of apertures enabling the attachment member to be sewn onto the wearable member.

The wearable member may comprise a sleeve.

The sleeve may be funnel shaped having a first and second end.

The sleeve may comprise a first opening at the first end and second opening at the second end, wherein the opening size at the first end may be greater than the opening size at the second end so as to conform to an arm of a user.

A glove member may be provided at said second end of said elongate body. The glove member may be formed of an elastically deformable material, such as neoprene.

The sleeve may be made of neoprene.

The elongate body may be attached between a first and second elongate side of the wearable member so as to form part of a side edge of the wearable member.

The elongate body may be removeably connected to the wearable member.

The first and second elongate edge of the wearable member may be terminated by a seam.

Respective portions of the elongate body may be fixed within corresponding regions of the seam such that an integral assembly may be formed.

The banner may be formed of a self-rolling material. The banner material may comprise polyester.

The banner may comprise at least two layers of material, wherein a first layer is of a substantially transparent or translucent material and printed with a foreground portion of an image and a second layer is printed with a corresponding background portion of said image. The banner may comprise a third layer of material of substantially transparent or translucent material and located between said first and second layers, said third layer being printed with a middle ground portion of said image.

In an exemplary embodiment, the banner may comprise first and second layers of transparent material, and a third, holographic emulsion, layer located between said first and second layers, said holographic emulsion layer carrying an image to be displayed. In this case, the assembly may further comprise a laser source and a divergent optical element for diverging light from said laser source onto a rear surface of said banner so as to project a holographic impression of said image at a front surface of said banner.

Irrespective of the nature and configuration of the banner, the assembly may include one or more light sources arranged and configured to direct light onto a rear and/or front surface of said banner.

The stop member may be a connection member or may be a thickened end of the banner itself.

In the case that the connection member is separate and distinct from the banner, the connection member may comprise an axle disposed along the central longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

A first end of the banner may be fixably connected to the axle. In the first configuration the banner may assume a rolled up configuration around the axle.

In the second configuration at least part of the banner may be unwound from the axle and positioned away from the axle by the user.

The elongate body may comprise an elongate aperture for enabling at least a portion of the banner to pass there-through.

The axle may be replaced by a bar portion that is attached to one end of the banner. The bar portion is sized to be bigger than the aperture located in the elongate body.

The banner assembly may comprise a gripping member located at the remote end of the banner.

The gripping member may be located externally to the elongate body such that it is accessible by the user.

The gripping member may be a pull string.

The elongate body may be terminated with at least one removeable end cap for permitting removal and replacement of the banner contained within the elongate body. This enables different banners to be applied depending on the event that the banner is to be used.

Whilst the invention has been described above it extends to any inventive combination of the features set out above, or in the following description, drawings or claims. For example, any features described in relation to any one aspect of the invention is understood to be disclosed also in relation to any other aspect of the invention. The 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 the banner assembly of an exemplary embodiment of the invention from the top;

Figure 1 A is a perspective view of a banner assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention from the top;

Figure 2 is a top view of the banner assembly according to Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a side view of the banner assembly of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the banner assembly of Figure 1 from the top and in the extended state;

Figure 5 is an exploded view of the elongate body, with the banner omitted;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the banner assembly of claim 1 from the bottom;

Figure 7 is a schematic of a user wearing the banner assembly and displaying the banner;

Figure 8 is a schematic side view of a portion of a banner assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of a banner assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in use.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a banner assembly for single handed use. The banner assembly 1 comprises an elongate body 2 attachable to a wearable member 3. A stop member 4 is provided in the form of a connection member 5 and is located within the elongate body 2. A banner 6 is provided, whereby a portion of the banner 6 is attached to the connection member 5. The connection member may be, for example an axle 5. Therefore the stop member retains one end of the banner within the elongate body 2. The banner 6 is an elongate sheet of material that is configurable between a first configuration where the banner 6 is disposed entirely within the elongate body and a second configuration in which at least part of the banner 6a extends from the elongate body 2 as shown in Figure 4. Display material is provided on a first and/or second side of the banner.

The elongate body 2 as shown in Figure 5 is formed by a main frame 7 having a central elongate channel 8 at a central region and two further smaller side channels 9a, 9b positioned either side of the elongate central channel 8. All three channels 8, 9a, 9b extend along the longitudinal axis of the main frame 7 of the elongate body 2. A first and second elongate attachment member 10a, 10b is configured to cooperate with the first and second side channels 9a, 9b respectively. Therefore, a first elongate edge 10a' of the attachment member side portion is configured to be slideably received within a corresponding side channel 9a. The other, remote elongate edge of the attachment member 10a" is terminated by an array of apertures. The apertures are provided to permit the attachment member 10a to be sewn to the wearable member 3. The attachment members 10a, 10b are made from a plastic.

The banner 6 is located within the central elongate channel 8. The central channel 8 comprises an elongate aperture 1 1 along a side edge, for example the front region of the main frame 7, for permitting passage of a portion of the banner 6 from a region interior to the channel to a region exterior of the channel. An elongate front plate 12 is provided to, in the stored configuration, cover the aperture 1 1 leading to the central channel 8. The front plate 12 has a slightly curved cross section and is provided with a first and second aperture 13a, 13b spaced apart from eachother along the longitudinal axis of the plate 12 such that the apertures 13a, 13b are located at opposing ends of the front plate 12. An elastic pull string 14 as shown in Figure 1 , is arranged such that each end passes through the respective apertures 13a, 13b.

One end of the main frame is terminated by an end wall, however the other end comprises an opening permitting access to the central 8 and side channels 9a, 9b. An end cap 15 is positionable at this other end so as to cover the entry points to the channels 8, 9a, 9b.

The elongate main body 2 is formed by locating the first and second attachment member 10a, 10b into the respective first and second side channels 9a, 9b of the main frame 7 and positioning the end cap on the open end of the resulting arrangement. The axle 5 is inserted in the centre of the central channel 8 prior to positioning the end cap 15.

On an external side edge of the elongate body 2, as shown in Figure 6, there are provided strengthening ribs 16 which are also used to cooperate with a flange 17 located at one end of the end cap 15 so as to hold the cap 15 thereto in a friction fit. The axle 5 is secured within an aperture 18 or recess located in the end cap. In the former case a portion of the axle 5 protrudes from an external side edge of the end cap 15. A ridged region 19 is provided on the axle 5 to act as a stop means for preventing too much of the axle 5 from passing through the aperture 18. The end cap 15 may be removable so that the banner 6 may be replaced with an alternative banner 6a to be used in a different sport or for a different purpose, for example in a political campaign.

The other end of the axle 5 extends through an aperture located in the end wall of the main frame 7. The ridged region 19 is also provided at this end of the axle 5 to prevent the axle 5 from passing too far through the aperture of the end wall of the main frame 7.

The wearable member 3 is attached to the elongate body 2 to form an integral element. The wearable member 3 is a garment, for example a sleeve. The sleeve 3 is similar in type to an arm warmer such that it is funnel shaped having a first and second end 3a, 3b, whereby a first opening 20a is located at the first end 3a and second opening 20b is located at the second end 3b. The opening size at the first end 3a is greater than the opening size at the second end 3b so as to conform to a forearm of a user, as shown in Figure 6.

The elongate body 2 is connected between a first and second elongate side edge 3c, 3d of the wearable member 3 so as to form part of a surface of the wearable member.

The first and second elongate side edges 3c, 3d of the wearable member are terminated by a seam. Respective portions of the elongate housing i.e the respective remote ends 10a", 10b"of the attachment member 10a, 10b are fixed within corresponding regions of the seam such that an integral banner assembly 1 is formed. Therefore, the elongate housing 2 is sewn within the wearable member 3.

A first end of the banner 6b is connected to a connector member 5, for example an axle 5 located within the central channel 8 of the elongate body 2 and a second, remote end of the banner 6c is connected to a gripping member 21 . The gripping member 21 is always positioned externally to the elongate housing 2 such that it is accessible to the user. The gripping member 21 is an elasticated pull string to aid the grip of the user when the sleeve 3 is worn. Since the banner 6 is formed of a self-rolling material, when there is no force applied to the gripping member 21 , the banner 6 assumes a rolled up configuration around the axle 5. This defines the first configuration of the banner 6 whereby the banner is positioned within the elongate housing 2. However, when the user holds onto the gripping member 21 and applies a counterforce to the free end of the banner 6, the banner 6 unrolls and is extended from the interior of the elongate housing 2 such that the surface of the banner 6 is on display externally to the housing 2. This extended state of the banner 6 defines the second configuration of the banner 6, whereby at least part of the banner is unwound from and positioned away from the axle 5. The banner material comprises scrolled polyester. Therefore, in the relaxed state the banner 6 is in a rolled up configuration and when a user provides sufficient force, the user unrolls the banner 6 so as to display the surface thereof externally to the elongate housing. On release of the banner 6, the banner 6 returns to its relaxed, rolled-up state around the axle.

The axle 5 is rotatably mounted to enable the free rotation of the banner 6 there-around.

The elongate body 2 comprises an aperture 1 1 for enabling at least a portion of the banner to pass there-through such that a portion of the banner that is disposed within the housing 2 in the first configuration may be positioned externally to the housing in the second configuration.

The sleeve 3 is formed of neoprene which is resistant to degradation more than natural or synthetic rubber. Further, neoprene offers shock protection to the user when drawing and releasing the banner.

The banner assembly 1 formed as described above enables single handed operation and the efficient opening and closing of the banner 6 as and when required by the user. The use of a removeable end cap 15 on one end of the elongate body, enables the banner material to be replaced with an alternative banner 6 having a different graphical representation.

In an exemplary embodiment, the banner may be configured to provide a "two-dimensional hologram". The term "two-dimensional hologram" is used in this context to refer to a multilayer image consisting of two or mor images 'stacked' in such a way that each is alternately visible depending upon the angle of perspective of the viewer. Such holograms and, therefore, the artwork of such holograms may be of two layers (i.e. with a background and a foreground) or three layers (i.e. with a background, a middle ground and a foreground). Thus, the banner may be formed of three layers of flexible, substantially transparent or translucent material, on which 'layers' of an image to be displayed are respectively printed. At least some of the printed artwork may be of a highly reflective, metallic printing medium, in order to enhance the three-dimensional impression created when viewing the composite image. Many different multilayer images of this type will be well known to a person skilled in the art, and many different techniques and media for creating such multilayer images will also be known, and the present invention is not necessarily intended to be in any way limited in this regard.

Such "holograms" (and, indeed, 'flat', single layer images) can be effectively viewed in ambient light. However, for use in environments where ambient light is low, and/or to enhance the effectiveness of the displayed image, and its consistency at various angles in the case of a '3D' image created by a multilayer banner, the assembly of the present invention may, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments, include one or more light sources configured to direct light onto the banner, at least when it is in its extended configuration.

For example, and referring to Figure 1 A of the drawings, in one exemplary embodiment a row of LEDs 100 or similar light low power light sources may be provided in or one one or both the attachment members 10a, 10b, along its/their length, Additionally, or alternatively, a row of LEDs or similar low power light sources may be provided on the inner surface of the front plate 12 (not shown), such that when the banner is extended, light from the LED's is directed onto the banner and along at least a portion of its length. In other exemplary embodiments, an along ate light guide may be provided one on or both of the attachment members 10a, 10b and/or the inner surface of the front plate 12, with a single low power light source being provided at the input to the or each light guide. In yet another exemplary embodiment, one or more light sources may be provided in or on one or both of the attachment members 10, 10b and/or the inner surface of the front cover 12, the or each light source having associated therewith and optical device configured to diverge o9r spread the light beam incident thereon so as to spread the light from a single source over a larger area of the banner when it is in its extended configuration. It will be appreciated that the optical element for this purpose could be be provided as a rear layer of the banner itself, or it could comprise an optical device mounted in or on the assembly.

In all cases, one or more power sources, such as one or more battery packs or the like, may be provided in or on the assembly in order to provide power to the light source(s).

The light source(s) may be actuatable by a manual switch, such that the user can elect whether or not to use them, depending on preference and/or ambient light conditions. Alternatively, the light source(s) could be actuated by a switch that is triggered by the extension of the banner. In another exemplary embodiment, a light sensor may be provided that senses ambient light and generates a signal in the event that the ambient light is below a predetermined level, in response to which signal, the light source(s) is/are triggered.

It is also envisaged that the assembly may be configured to project a 3D holographic image 101 . In this case, and referring to Figure 8 of the drawings, the banner may be formed of at least three layers comprising a holographic emulsion layer 102 (that carries the image to be projected), sandwiched between two transparent layers 104a, 104b. In this case, the light source may comprise one or more lasers 106, for example of the type used in laser pointers and the like, and one or more divergent optical elements for diverging laser light onto the rear of the banner. In this case, the divergent optical element may be implemented in the form of a fourth layer 108 of the banner, behind the first transparent layer 104a. However, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, the divergent element(s) may be provided in or on the assembly itself.

Various modifications to the principles described above would suggest themselves to the skilled person. For example, at least one end of the sleeve 3 may be provided with a cuff (not shown) which may be stretchable or elasticated and may help to keep the sleeve in the desired position on the arm.

The elongate body 2 may not be an integral element of a garment 3 and may instead comprise a fixing means (not shown) for attachment of the elongate body to an existing item of clothing of the user, for example a sleeve of their jacket. The attachment means may be fixed by a hook and loop fastener, for example Velcro^® or an adhesive and may be positioned at the external side edge of the elongate body 2. Alternatively, the main body may be fixed to a person's limb via a strap assembly (not shown).

Referring to Figure 9 of the drawings, the sleeve may be provided with a flexible glove member 1 10, which may be integrally formed with, permanently affixed to or removably attached (by means of, for example, a hook and loop type fastening material) to the end of the sleeve. The glove, which may be formed of neoprene or other suitable, elastically flexible, hard wearing material, may be fingerless, as shown, but not necessarily so.

The wearable member 3 may not be a sleeve and may instead be a trouser leg or other type of garment, for example a glove, although it is believed that the use of a sleeve enables the most ergonomic application of the banner. Alternatively the sleeve containing the elongate housing may be terminated by a glove. Alternatively, instead of forming the banner 6 from self-rolling material, a rolling mechanism (not shown) may be applied which comprises a biased axle causing movement of the banner to a location within the housing on release of the gripping member. The biasing effect may be provided by a resilient member, for example a spring. Alternatively a ratchet type arrangement (not shown) may be applied wherein the banner is caused to retract within the housing by means of the application of a quick release switch.

The gripping member 21 may be an alternative form of handle for example a strip of moulded material and formed of rubber or plastic to further aid the grip of the user. Alternatively the gripping member may take the form of a bent metal wire.

As an alternative to polyester the banner 6 may be formed of an alternative material, for example at least one layer of waxed paper or polypropylene material may be applied.

Whilst it has been described for a single banner to be contained within the housing, multiple banners may instead be provided which are selected via different handles positioned externally to the elongate body.

As an alternative to neoprene the sleeve 3 may instead be made from, for example cloth or natural or synthetic rubber.

The banner may not be wound around the axle and may be stored within the elongate housing via an alternative arrangement. For example, the banner need not be applied to an axle and may be disposed as a freestanding element of the assembly. The end of the banner that is to remain within the elongate body 2 may be terminated by a stop portion, for example a bar portion (not shown) that is sized to be larger than the elongate aperture 1 1 in the elongate body 2 so as to ensure that this end of the banner 6 remains within the central channel 8 of the elongate body 2. This stop portion 4 may be considered to be the connection member. This alternative embodiment is realised because the diameter of the wound banner is defined by the material itself and not the diameter of the axle i.e. it can be difficult to wrap the banner tightly around the axle 5 without further component parts, therefore the axle need not be provided. However, it is noted that the axle may indeed provide a structural strengthening benefit to the main body.

As a further alternative, the stop member may be a thickened end of the banner 6 itself (not shown). The only criteria is that the thickness at the end of the banner is sized to be greater that the size of the elongate aperture 1 1 .

The banner may not be rolled up in the first state and may instead be folded or concertinaed.

The banner may not be rectangular in shape, for example the banner may be triangular, or indeed may not have straight side edges and may instead be wavy or curved.

Alternatively an end cap may be positioned at each end of the elongate housing (not shown).

Claims

1 . A banner assembly for single handed use comprising:

an elongate body attachable to a wearable member;

a stop member located within the elongate body; and

a banner, a portion of the banner being attached to the stop member for retaining one end of the banner within the elongate body; and wherein the banner is configurable between a first configuration where the banner is disposed within the elongate body and a second configuration in which at least part of the banner extends from the elongate body.

2. A banner assembly according to claim 1 , comprising a wearable member attached to the elongate body to form an integral element.

3. A banner assembly according to claim 2, wherein the elongate body has at least one attachment member comprising an array of apertures enabling the attachment member to be sewn onto the wearable member.

4. A banner assembly according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the wearable member comprises a sleeve.

5. A banner assembly according to claim 4, wherein the sleeve is funnel shaped having a first and second end.

6. A banner assembly according to claim 5, comprising a first opening at the first end and second opening at the second end, wherein the opening size at the first end is greater than the opening size at the second end so as to conform to an arm of a user.

7. A banner assembly according to claim 6, wherein a glove member is provided at said second end of said elongate body.

8. A banner assembly according to claim 7, wherein said glove member is formed of an elastically deformable material.

9. A banner assembly according to claim 8, wherein said glove member is formed of neoprene.

10. A banner assembly according to any of claims 4 to 9, wherein the sleeve is made of neoprene.

1 1 . A banner assembly according to any of claims 2 to 9 wherein the elongate body is attached between a first and second elongate side of the wearable member so as to form part of a side edge of the wearable member.

12. A banner assembly according to any of claims 2 to 10 wherein the elongate body is removeably connected to the wearable member.

13. A banner assembly according to any of claims 2 to 10, wherein the first and second elongate edge of the wearable member is terminated by a seam.

14. A banner assembly according to claim 12, wherein respective portions of the elongate body are fixed within corresponding regions of the seam such that an integral assembly is formed.

15. A banner assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the stop member comprises a connection member.

16. A banner assembly according to claim 14, wherein the connection member comprises an axle disposed along the central longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

17. A banner assembly according to claim 15, wherein a first end of the banner is fixably connected to the axle.

18. A banner according to claim 16, wherein in the first configuration the banner assumes a rolled up configuration around the axle.

19. A banner according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein in the second configuration at least part of the banner is unwound from the axle and positioned away from the axle by the user.

20. A banner assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the banner is formed of a self-rolling material.

21 . A banner assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the banner material comprises polyester.

22. A banner assembly according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least two layers of material, wherein a first layer is of a substantially transparent or translucent material and printed with a foreground portion of an image and a second layer is printed with a corresponding background portion of said image.

23. A banner assembly according to claim 22, wherein said banner comprises a third layer of material of substantially transparent or translucent material and located between said first and second layers, said third layer being printed with a middle ground portion of said image.

24. A banner assembly according to any of claims 1 to 21 , wherein said banner comprises first and second layers of transparent material, and a third, holographic emulsion, layer located between said first and second layers, said holographic emulsion layer carrying an image to be displayed.

25. A banner assembly according to claim 24, further comprising a laser source and a divergent optical element for diverging light from said laser source onto a rear surface of said banner so as to project a holographic impression of said image at a front surface of said banner.

26. A banner assembly according to any of the preceding claims including one or more light sources arranged and configured to direct light onto a rear and/or front surface of said banner.

27. A banner according to any preceding claim, comprising a gripping member located at the remote end of the banner.

28. A banner assembly according to claim 27, wherein the gripping member is located externally to the elongate body such that it is accessible by the user.

29. A banner assembly according to claim 28, wherein the gripping member is a pull string.

30. A banner assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate body comprises an elongate aperture for enabling at least a portion of the banner to pass there-through.

31 . A banner assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate body is terminated with at least one removeable end cap for permitting removal and replacement of the banner contained within the elongate body.

32. A banner assembly with reference to the accompanying text and drawings.

33. A method of displaying a banner with reference to the accompanying text and drawings.