Supports – Brackets – Specially mounted or attached
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-04
2002-04-30
Ramirez, Ramon O (Department: 3632)
Supports
Brackets
Specially mounted or attached
C040S604000, C116S173000, C248S292130, C248S230800
Reexamination Certificate
active
06378820
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX, IF ANY
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention.
The present invention relates, generally, to apparatus and methods for mounting articles. More particularly, the invention relates to apparatus and methods for mounting banners on outdoor structures.
2. Background Information.
The state of the art in general includes various apparatus and methods for mounting banners. These apparatus and methods are believed to have significant limitations and shortcomings, particularly with respect to strong wind loads. A strong wind load may tear the banner from the structure, such as a pole or building, upon which it was attached. High strength fiberglass rods have been used to hang the banners as they are intended to permit frequent flexing without failure. However, these rods often do not flex enough in response to wind loads to prevent the banners from been torn off of the structure. Furthermore, if the banner is not taut, the wind may tear the banner itself. One method of keeping the banner taut across its width is to cant the banner poles, whereby the spacing between poles increases as the pole ends are approached to provide tension at the far or distal edge of the banner.
This invention provides an apparatus and method for mounting banners which is believed to constitute an improvement over existing technology.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for mounting banners. The apparatus for mounting banners generally comprises an arm and a base. The arm includes a proximal portion, a distal portion adapted for holding the banner, and a spring portion connecting the proximal portion to the distal portion. The base attaches the proximal portion of the arm to a structure. The spring portion permits both vertical and horizontal motion in the distal portion of the arm in response to wind loads.
The apparatus may be used with others in a banner hanging system, which generally comprises at least two arms adapted for holding a banner and a set of two bases. One of the arms is adapted for holding a top end of the banner and the other of the arms is adapted for holding a bottom end of the banner. In one preferred embodiment, each of the two bases include two opposing receiver portions, each being adapted for receiving and attaching to the proximal end of one of the arms. The receiver portions are constructed and arranged to extend banners on opposing sides of a pole.
The invention further includes a method for employing spring arms to hang banners, generally comprising the steps of: attaching a first spring arm to a structure at a predetermined position; attaching a second spring arm to the structure at a predetermined position with respect to the first spring arm; attaching a first edge of the banner to the first spring arm; flexing the second spring arm; attaching the second edge of the banner to the second spring arm; and relaxing the second spring arm to pull the banner taut between the first and the second spring arms.
The spring portion of the arm forms a joint proximate to the base and allows the arm to bend under strong wind loads. Thus, the banner is not torn from the structure during severe storms. Furthermore, the spring portion allows the arm or arms to be flexed or bent while stretching a taut banner across two arms. Additionally, opposing receiver portions in the base permit a single base to be mounted to the back of pole and further permit a banner to be attached to each receiver portion such that the banners hang on opposing sides of the pole.
The features, benefits and objects of this invention will become clear to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description, claims and drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3241516 (1966-03-01), Hopkins
patent: 3416477 (1968-12-01), Gunderson
patent: 3850401 (1974-11-01), Snediker
patent: 4080925 (1978-03-01), Moore
patent: 4920910 (1990-05-01), Lin
patent: 5388794 (1995-02-01), Wolff
patent: 5964401 (1999-10-01), Thill
Mooney Steve D.
Pfeffer George H.
Mooney & Company
Ramirez Ramon O
Skinner & Associates
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