Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Title of the Invention
Hand Held Multiple Banner and Signage Device
Cross-References to Related Applications
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60!199,337, filed on April 24, 2000.
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a new and improved flexible hand held
multiple message banner and signage device and method of making same. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a device which enables
selective multiple
message signage by providing a durable, lightweight and economically produced
multi-leaf banner that is flexible, compact during transport and provides
maximum
surface for effective message communication.
Background Art
Today's indoor and outdoor public gatherings are often crowded and noisy.
The conditions do not lend themselves to verbal communication. In such
settings,
banners and signage represent an effective means of communication.
In addition, there are circumstances which require temporary directional and
instructional banners or signage. Situations such as traffic and crowd control
and
emergency requirements may call for signage which can convey more than one
message or instruction.
The necessity and usefulness of hand held banners and signage designed for
individual use in public gatherings and emergency purposes are well known.
Examples of different types and kinds of devices for conveying non-verbal
messages
in public gatherings or traffic or emergency situations are disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos.
4,906,503, 4,876,811, 4,062,139, Des. 357,707, and 3,455,044.
In general, the structure and function of most temporary message banner and
signage devices involve flat surfaces upon which messages may be printed
having
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either horizontal or vertical orientations. A limited number of temporary
message
banners and signage provide some means of displaying more than one message
where
more than one instruction is needed or where messages in more than one
language is
required. Some of the banners and signage devices require mechanical or
structural
supports and others are hand held.
Signage devices providing for information about vehicle cargo are known in
the prior art. Such a device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,455,044. The
device
comprises a flat rectangular base that is affixed to the vehicle body and a
number of
leaves which may be pivoted on a hinge to indicate the various types of loads
carried
by the vehicle to which the device has been attached.
The device is meant to be attached to a cargo-carrying vehicle body by means
of screws or bolts. The semi-permanent nature of the device requires that
rigid metals
be used in the construction and would necessarily mean that the manufacture of
the
device would be relatively expensive.
In addition, the device would be heavy and cumbersome if used as a hand held
signage and would make transporting into public gatherings difficult. There is
no
mechanism provided for this device which would allow for the device to be used
as a
hand held banner or signage.
Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved device
and method for making same for a flexible hand held multiple message banner
and
signage which would be light-weight, weather resistant, durable, flexible,
easily
transported and stored when not in use and which would allow convenient and
rapid
changes of messages and would be economically manufactured.
The device described in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 357,707 addresses the problem of a
lightweight, portable and inexpensive banner or signage. This device is a
foldable
message sign for sporting events. This device is meant to be rigid and would
not
compact to the same small dimensions for storage in limited space.
In addition, the foldable message sign for sporting events would have the
capacity for supporting a message on the front and on the back of the message
sign.
This device does not provide for multiple messages which might be easily and
quickly changed during usage.
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Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved device
and method for making same for a flexible hand held multiple message banner
and
signage which would be light-weight, flexible, easily transported and stored
in a
compact form when not in use, weather resistant and which would allow
convenient
and rapid changes of multiple messages.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,062,139 describes a device that addresses the problem of
multiple messages and portability. However, the base of the device is of rigid
construction and does not compact for easy storage or transportation.
Additionally, it was not intended to be used as a hand held banner or signage
and the construction and design of the device in the configuration that it was
intended
to be used would be difficult to hold for someone using it as a hand held
banner or
signage.
Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved device
and method for making same for a flexible hand held multiple message banner
and
IS signage which would be light-weight, flexible, easily transported and
stored in a
compact form when not in use.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,811 describes a device that has a rigid base for posting
messages and a pistol grip as a handle. The device does provide for displaying
multiple messages. Any sort of wind blowing against the rigid display base
would
create too much force for the user to be able to safely operate the device in
a crowded
outdoor public gathering if the rigid base for message display was of
sufficient size to
display large message cards to be viewed from long distances. Therefore, this
inventive apparatus does not provide for a very large surface area for the
display of
messages.
In addition, the complexity of the device and the nature of the rigid
materials
would make the device relatively expensive to manufacture.
Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved device
and method for making same for a flexible hand held multiple message banner
and
signage which would have a large surface area for the display of messages to
be seen
from long distances and would be economically manufactured.
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Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,906,503 provides for a flexible banner and signage
which can be easily transported and stored in a compact form and which would
provide for sufficient surface area to display messages to be seen from long
distances.
However, the device has not provided for the display of multiple messages
which
might be changed easily and quickly.
Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved device
and method for making same for a flexible hand held multiple message banner
and
signage which would allow convenient and rapid changes of messages.
Disclosure of the Invention
Therefore, the principal object of the present invention is to provide a new
and
improved device and method for making same, for a message banner and signage.
This message banner would allow for multiple messages to be displayed and
selective
message changes which would be easily and quickly accomplished with little or
no
effort. The multi-leaf banner could display messages on the front and back of
the
banner and facilitate rapid message changes during usage.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a new and
improved device and method for making same, message banner and signage, with a
large surface area for the display of messages to be seen from long distances.
The
banner unfolds and provides maximum surface area for signage on both front and
back.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide such a new and
improved device and method fox making same, for message banner and signage,
which would also be light-weight, flexible, easily transported and stored in a
compact
form when not in use. Lightweight, durable, recyclable and weather-resistant
materials that are inexpensive to manufacture are common and include such
materials
as plastic films, such as polypropylene, Tyvek~, Yupo~, coated and non-coated
paper, vinyls, as well as natural and synthetic fabrics. The flexible nature
of the
banner allows the banner to be rolled into a compact package which may be
easily
transported and stored when not in use and unfurled quickly for display. The
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materials from which the banner is constructed are lightweight which would
also
facilitate easy transportation of the invention.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide such a new and
improved device and method for making same, for message banner and signage,
which would be inexpensive to manufacture and maintain. The design of the
device
provides a simple, yet effective means by which to provide a method of
displaying
messages. The construction materials which could be used for such a device and
simplicity of design make the invention very economical and inexpensive to
manufacture. Since the present invention lacks complex mechanisms and is
inexpensive to manufacture, the initial cost to procure this device is
relatively low.
However, very durable and weather-resistant materials are available which
would
make the current invention easy to maintain and long lasting as well as
economical to
manufacture.
Briefly, the above and further objects of the present invention are realized
by
providing a new and improved flexible hand held multiple message banner and
signage and method of making same. This message banner and signage would have
a
large surface area for the display of messages to be seen from long distances
and
would be easily transported and stored in a compact form when not in use and
would
allow convenient and rapid changes of messages and would be inexpensive to
manufacture and durable in nature. More particularly, the present invention
relates to
a device which enables a user to display selectively a multiplicity of
messages quickly
and easily by providing a hand held multi-leaf banner which may be held either
vertically or horizontally, providing maximum surface area for the display of
messages which may be seen from long distances on both the front and back of
the
banner. The panels would be fastened together on a central vertical or
horizontal axis
by a variety of means that would be economical and easily manufactured such as
heat
seal, radio-frequency (RFC), sewn, glued, stapled, taped, clipped, spiral
bound, slide
inserts or fasteners. The flexible nature of the material used for the
invention allows
the banner to be compacted into a small package for easy transport and storage
when
not in use. The lightweight materials utilized in construction also lend
themselves to
easy transportation of the banner and signage device. The simple construction
allows
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inexpensive manufacture of the banner, yet the durability of available weather
resistant materials will mean that the banner will have a long useful life
with little or
no maintenance expense involved with upkeep.
Brief Description of the.Drawings
The above mentioned and other objects and features of this invention and the
manner of attaining them will become apparent, and the invention itself will
be best
understood by reference to the following description of the embodiment of the
invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. l is a multiple front and rear view of each of three panels of the novel
flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device showing the
separate
elements of the device; each sequential leaf of the banner as it would appear
prior to
assembly of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the novel flexible hand held multiple
message banner and signage device according to the present invention, with one
of
the leaves of the invention as it would appear during message changes;
Fig. 3 is a front view of a flexible hand held multiple message banner and
signage device according to the present invention showing one of a
multiplicity of
messages;
Fig. 4 is a front view of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner
and signage device according to the present invention, with another of a
multiplicity
of messages;
Fig. 5 is a posterior view of the novel flexible hand held multiple message
banner and signage device according to the present invention;
Fig. 6 is a front elevational view of the novel flexible hand held multiple
message banner and signage device according to the present invention, in a
vertical
configuration utilizing an optional spiral binding;
Fig. 7 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the horizontal
configuration of the flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage
device,
according to the present invention;
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Fig. 8 is a side view of the horizontal embodiment of the novel flexible hand
held multiple message banner and signage device according to the present
invention;
Fig. 9 is a front elevational view of the novel flexible hand held multiple
message banner and signage device according to the present invention showing
optional built in hand holds on the upper end portions of the device;
Fig.10 is a front view of the novel flexible hand held multiple message
banner and signage device according to the present invention as it would
appear when
folded in half along the hinge;
Fig.11 is an enlarged front elevational view of the novel flexible hand held
multiple message banner and signage device according to the present invention
as it
would appear when rolled up for transportation or storage;
Fig.12 is a top elevational view of the novel flexible hand held multiple
message banner and signage device according to the present invention showing
an
optional heat pressed hinge configuration;
Fig.13 is a close up top elevational view of an optional heat pressed hinge
configuration of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and
signage
device according to the present invention;
Fig. 14 is a top elevational view of an optional spiral bound hinge
configuration of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and
signage
device according to the present invention; and
Fig.15 is a close up top elevational view of an optional spiral bound hinge
configuration of the novel flexible hand held multiple message banner and
signage
device according to the present invention.
Modes for Carrying Out the Invention
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Fig. 1 thereof, there
is
shown a new flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device 10
which is constructed in accordance with the present invention. The new
flexible hand
held multiple message banner and signage device 10 is used to efficiently,
effectively
and economically provide a means of displaying multiple messages by providing
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mufti-leaf, flexible hand held banner that is easy to maintain, transport,
store and
manufacture.
Referring to Fig. 1, the flexible hand held multiple message banner and
signage device 10 is composed of a multiplicity of panels which are
represented here
by three panels. Panel 1, front surface 12 displays message A in it's
entirety. After
assembly, the panel rotates about a central vertical fold axis 15. Panel 1 has
a back
surface 14 for displaying the first portion of message B on the left hand side
and the
last portion of message D on the right hand side. Each side is separated by a
central
vertical fold axis 15. Panel 2, front surface 16 displays the first portion of
message D
on the left hand side and the second portion of message B on the right hand
side
which are separated by a central vertical fold axis 19. Panel 2 has a back
surface 18
the first portion of message C on the right hand side and the last portion of
message E
on the left hand side. The panel is divided in half by the central vertical
fold axis 19.
In this embodiment, Panel 3, front surface 22 displays the first portion of
message E
on the right hand side and the last portion of message C on the left hand
side. After
assembly, each side revolves about a central vertical fold axis 26. Panel 3,
back
surface, 24 displays message F in it's entirety. Panel 1, front surface 12,
Panel 2,
front surface 16, Panel 3 front surface 22 are stacked sequentially and joined
together
on the central vertical axis 15,19, 26. Preferably one or more panels are used
to
construct the device.
Turning now to Fig. 2 to illustrate the assembled 3 panel message banner 30 in
this configuration and especially to show the optional reinforced panel ends
32 in
greater detail, the hinge 34, and motion of panels 36 on the hinge. The
sequentially
stacked panels are joined by a hinge 34 centrally located on the panel and
each half of
each panel revolves horizontally on this hinge 34.
Referring now to Fig. 3, this view of the novel flexible hand held multiple
message banner and signage device 10 illustrates one selected front face of
the
multiple message banner 40 supporting one selected message 42 on the panel.
Each
half of the panel may revolve around the central vertical fold axis 44.
Turning now to Fig. 4, this view of the novel flexible hand held multiple
message banner and signage device 10 illustrates another selected front face
of the
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multiple message banner 50 supporting a selected message 52 on the panel which
appears after one half of the panel is revolved horizontally on the central
vertical fold
axis 54.
The rear surface of the multiple message banner 60 is shown in Fig. 5
supporting a selected rear surface message 62. The panel message may be
changed
by rotating half of the panel around a central vertical fold axis 64.
Considering now another configuration of the novel flexible hand held
multiple message banner and signage device IO with reference to Fig. 6, the
vertical
multiple message banner 70 with an optional spiral bound hinge is illustrated
here.
The bound panel 72 is shown bound by the optional spiral bound hinge 74 on a
horizontal axis.
Another configuration of the novel flexible hand held multiple message
banner and signage device 10 is illustrated in Fig. 7.. The horizontal
multiple message
banner 80 is comprised of sequential panels as represented by the top panel
82. The
motion of the panels 84 indicates that the panels rotate around the central
horizontal
fold axis 86.
Fig. 8 is a side view of the horizontal multiple message banner configuration
80 with the panel 82 rotating around the horizontal axis.
Considering now Fig. 9, another configuration of the multiple message banner
90 which shows a panel 92 having an optional reinforced panel end 94 to lend
rigidity
to the ends and provide additional strength for the exposed end of the panel.
This
embodiment also shows an optional handle cutout 96 which would provide
additional
grip support. The handle cutout 96 is placed near the top portion of the
multiple
message banner 90 in order to allow gravitational pull on the bottom portion
to keep
the multiple message banner 90 aligned in the correct position for reading the
imprinted message. Each half of the panel 92 may be rotated around a central
vertical
fold axis 98 in order to change the message exposed to viewers.
Turning now to Fig. 10, which illustrates this configuration of the multiple
message banner 90 which has been folded in half on the central vertical fold
axis 98
with the half of the panel 92 seen on the exterior front portion of this view.
The
optional handle cutout 96 located in the optional reinforced panel end 94
serves as a
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handle for the multiple message banner 90 during transportation or when not in
immediate use.
Fig. 11 is an illustration of this configuration of the multiple message
banner
90 when the banner is rolled up for transport or storage. The flexible and
lightweight
nature of the device allows for compact storage and easy transportation in
this
manner.
Referring now to Fig. 12, several types of hinge mechanisms are available for
the flexible hand held multiple message banner and signage device 10 which may
include but are not limited to heat seal, radio frequency (RFC), sewn, glued,
stapled,
taped, clipped, spiral binding, slide inserts, and fasteners. One embodiment
of such a
hinge mechanism is shown here. The heat welded multiple message banner 100 has
panels 102 which are held in place by and rotate around a heat welded hinge
104.
A closer view of the panels 102 being held in place by a heat weld hinge 104
is illustrated in Fig. 13.
Another possible embodiment of a hinge mechanism for the flexible hand held
multiple message banner and signage device 10 is shown in Fig. 14. Here, a
spiral
bound multiple message banner 110 is illustrated. The panels 112 are held in
place
by a spiral bound hinge 114.
It should be understood, however, that even though these numerous
characteristics and advantages of the invention have been set forth in the
foregoing
description, together with details of the structure and function of the
invention, the
disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially
in
matters of shape, size, chemistry and arrangement of parts within the
principal of the
invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the
terms in
which the appended claims are expressed.
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Claims
Claim 1. A multiple message banner and handheld signage device
comprising:
(a) a plurality of flexible flat sheets each having a center line and an end
distal to said center line, folded laterally along a center line dividing each
of said
sheets into two adjacent sections, each of said sections of each said sheet
having
applied thereon one half of a whole message or sign;
(b) a plurality of said adjacent sections wherein each section has one or more
inner edges and one or more outer edges, further wherein said inner edges of
said
adjacent sections overlap; and
(c) fastening means, such that each of said flexible flat sheets can be
attached
together at said center line, whereby when held by a user on each sheet end
distal to
said center line, multiple whole messages or signs may be displayed by turning
each
of said attached flexible flat sheets along its respective center line.
Claim 2. The multiple message banner and handheld signage device
according to claim l, wherein said plurality of flexible flat sheets are
constructed of a
flexible plastic material such that said multiple message banner is
lightweight and
readily laid flat, rolled-up or folded for convenient transport, ease of use,
or storage.
Claim 3. The multiple message banner and handheld signage device
according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of flexible flat sheets are
constructed of a
flexible paper material such that said multiple message banner is lightweight
and
readily laid flat, rolled-up or folded for convenient transport, ease of uses
or storage.
Claim 4. The multiple message banner and handheld signage device
according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of flexible flat sheets are
constructed of a
natural and synthetic woven fabric material, and further wherein said woven
fabric is
non-coated fabric or coated fabric.
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