EP1929459B1 - Device for retaining and fixing a large size advertising medium outdoors - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a frame (1) defined by lateral posts (2, 3), an upper post and a lower post (5). Each post is formed by parallel tubes (6, 7) that are made of an appropriate material and connected by spacers (8, 8`). Frame base stabilization units (100, 100`) are placed at the foot of each lateral post of the frame. The units (100, 100`) comprise support elements (9, 9`) provided at the foot of respective lateral posts (2, 3). The elements (9, 9`) are provided in the form of tubes or bars (11, 11`, 13, 13`) which are parallel and connected by spacers (14, 14`, 15, 15`), respectively.

Description

Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a device for stretching an advertising medium, such as a canvas, outdoors.

Technological background

A very large number of systems make it possible to support advertising elements of large or very large size. Examples are the systems described in the documents US Patent 5,507,109 , FR-2 674 357 , and FR-2 622 332 .

Large size means advertising media in the form of images printed on canvas and having an area of 5 to 30m ² .

Currently, the Applicant already offers two types of products for maintaining and fixing such advertising media.

A first type of device is intended for indoor applications and conventionally comprises a frame defined by four amounts: two lateral uprights, a higher amount and a lower amount. Each of these amounts consists of two parallel tubes made of a suitable material, interconnected by a series of spacers arranged diagonally between the two tubes, in order to make a plan for each amount. These tubes may of course have a circular section, but any other type of section, such as a square type section
or triangular type, is also possible. Similarly, the spacers are preferably circular section, but other types of section may also be possible for these spacers. Particularly advantageously, the tubes are hollow tubes made of aluminum, while the spacers may be solid or hollow spacers. These spacers are secured to the parallel tubes by suitable techniques, such as welding or bolting.

Usually, this type of product is either directly hung or suspended on wall surfaces, or has a seat to be maintained on a level floor, as is conceived in most buildings.

Another type of product developed by the Applicant is to propose, but this time outside, a device for holding and fixing such an advertising medium. Compared to the first type of devices of the Applicant, this device comprises, as the first type of device, a frame of which each amount comprises parallel tubes, but the number of parallel tubes per amount is increased. More specifically, in this type of product, each amount comprises three or four parallel tubes which are connected in pairs by spacers. It is further provided for outdoor applications that at least the lateral uprights are permanently fixed to the ground, for example by casting the ends of said lateral uprights into a concrete slab.

This second type of device has the advantage, compared to the first type of device to be able to withstand winds with speeds up to 120 km / h, due to the increase in the number of tubes, and therefore spacers. Nevertheless, this second type of device also has the drawbacks that they are heavier and more expensive to produce than the first type of device. Indeed, this is due to the fact that a device whose amounts each comprise three tubes in fact has three times more spacers than a device whose amounts each include only two tubes.

The document JP-A-2004/191578 , which is considered to be the closest state of the art, describes a lightened and weather-resistant advertising medium which is composed of two identical frames, one of which is placed in front and the other behind. Bars arranged perpendicularly to the plane of the frames connect the two frames to the four corners, and according to the size of the support, also in the middle of the amounts of the frames. This results in a solid structure which is fixed to the ground by a large tube connected to the lower part of the structure, between the two frames. This support nevertheless has disadvantages: the assembly takes a lot of time and the tube must be firmly fixed to the ground.

The document US Patent 4,325,197 describes an advertising medium for the interior, very easy to install, including a frame consisting of a bar for each amount. This frame is also equipped with two bars, each of these bars being located at one of the lower ends disposed perpendicularly to the plane of the frame and providing a seating function. The stability of the structure is improved by bridges connecting the seat bars to the corresponding lateral amount. Sadly, this support is usable only inside, given the fragility of the frame as a whole, the fastening means of the fabric and the absence of means for fixing the seat bars to the ground.

Goals of the invention

The present invention aims to solve and propose an improved solution to the problem of the state of the art.

The present invention therefore aims to provide a solution that aesthetically approximates the device proposed for indoor applications, but has wind resistance qualities and sufficient strength to be disposed outdoors.

The present invention also aims at providing a solution that has a lighter weight compared to solutions currently provided for outdoor applications.

Incidentally, the present invention also aims to provide a device that has mounting qualities and quick and efficient installation.

The present invention also aims to propose a solution that can be applied to any type of seat: soft ground, concrete, ...

Main characteristic elements

The present invention relates to a device for holding and fixing an advertising medium, for example in the form of a canvas, this outside, conventionally comprising a frame defined by four uprights, two lateral uprights, a upper amount and a lower amount, each of said amounts consisting of at least two parallel tubes interconnected by spacers, said holding device being characterized in that it comprises stabilizing means. These stabilizing means comprise two support elements each arranged at the foot of one of the lateral uprights, perpendicularly to the plane of the frame.

Each support element is in the form of at least two parallel tubes or bars interconnected by spacers.

The stabilizing means are designed in such a way that the device is able to withstand the forces exerted by the weather, and in particular by the wind.

In other words, the stabilizing means are designed and arranged relative to the frame of the device so as to assume a function of weather resistance, including wind.

Preferably, each of the uprights and each support element is in the form of two parallel tubes or bars.

Alternatively, each of the uprights and / or each support element is in the form of three parallel tubes or bars. The three parallel tubes or bars are then connected in pairs by spacers.

Preferably, the stabilizing means further comprise at least two connecting elements for connecting each support element to the lower part of the frame.

Preferably, these connecting elements are in the form of at least two tubes or bars from several points of intersection and extending in the three directions of space.

Preferably, each connecting element is in the form of two parallel tubes or bars connected by spacers from two points of intersection and extending in the three directions of space.

Preferably, said connecting elements comprise connections or connectors connecting each of the support elements to one of the lateral uprights of the frame and to the lower upright.

The device of the invention is such that each set of two bars connected by spacers constitutes a plane.

Advantageously, the device of the invention is characterized in that it comprises so-called "square elements" in order to reinforce the assembly and this only in the planes perpendicular to the plane in which the frame and the advertising medium in position on the frame, thus forming a set of brackets in these two directions.

Said brackets are advantageously in the form of bracons, each bracon connecting one of the support elements to the corresponding junction element.

Preferably, the device of the invention is characterized in that an additional element present in the form of a bracon is disposed between the support element and the frame and this in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the frame.

Preferably, the device of the invention further comprises securing means which also serve as means of equalization and stabilization the base element to keep it level while securing it to the floor.

Preferably, the device of the invention is characterized in that the parallel tubes are hollow.

Preferably, the device of the invention further comprises, inside parallel tubes, reinforcement elements, in particular flexural reinforcement elements.

Advantageously, the device according to the invention is characterized in that the elements are made of metal, and preferably of aluminum.

Advantageously, the device of the invention is such that the various elements allowing its realization are in the form of a series of nestable elements, clipping to each other and secured with the aid of suitable fastening means.

Description of figures

The figure 1 describes a part of the frame serving as a support support. This is the lower part that interests us and that takes the means of stabilization.

The figure 2 describes only an overall perspective view of a stabilizing means and some details of this stabilizing means according to the longitudinal sections, transverse and a view from above.

The figure 3 describes in detail the elements of solidarity.

Detailed description of a form of execution

The figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the device for holding and fixing an advertising medium according to the invention for use outdoors.

As illustrated on the figure 1 , the device conventionally comprises a frame 1 defined by four uprights, two lateral uprights 2,3, an upper upright and a lower upright 5.

For the sake of clarity, only the lower part of the frame in connection with the stabilizing means 100, 100 'located at the base of the frame 1 are shown.

Each of the posts 2,3,5 of the frame 1 consists of two parallel tubes 6,7 made of a suitable material and interconnected by spacers 8,8 '. By suitable material is meant a material which has mechanical strength and weight properties compatible with the applications of the device while allowing a minimization of its cost of production.

The holding device according to the invention thus comprises means for stabilizing the base of the frame. These stabilization means carry the general references 100 and 100 '. They are designed and arranged relative to the frame 1 in such a way that the device is able to withstand the forces exerted by the weather, and in particular by the wind.

These means of stabilizing the base of the frame 100, 100 'are arranged at the foot of each of the lateral uprights 2, 3 of the frame 1.

These stabilizing means 100, 100 'comprise in particular two support elements 9 and 9' each arranged at the foot of one of the lateral uprights 2 (for the support element 9) or 3 (for the support element 9 ') of the box 1.

In general, each support element 9 and 9 'is in the form of at least one tube or a bar 11, respectively 11 ', which extends perpendicularly to the plane of the frame 1.

Advantageously, as shown in figure 1 each support element 9, 9 'is in the form of two tubes or bars which are indicated on the figure 1 by the marks 11,13 for the first element 9 and by the marks 11 ', 13' for the second element 9 '. These two tubes
or bars 11,13 on the one hand and 11 ', 13' on the other hand are advantageously parallel and interconnected by spacers 14, 14 ', ... on the one hand and 15, 15', ... on the other hand.

According to the invention, as illustrated on the figure 1 , and in more detail on the figure 2 with regard to the stabilizing means 100, each stabilizing means 100, respectively 100 ', further comprises at least one connecting element 10 which makes it possible to connect one of the support elements 9, 9' respectively, to the lower part of the frame 1. Each junction element 10, as can be seen on the figure 2 for the stabilizing means 100, comprises connections or connectors 22,23,24,25, ... which extend in the three directions of the space and by means of which it performs its function of connection between the element of support 9 or 9 ', one of the side supports 2
or 3 of the frame 1, and the lower amount 5 of the frame 1.

As shown by figures 1 and 2 , in the version with two bars or tubes, 1 said connections 22,23,24,25 of the connecting element 10 are arranged in the plane of the frame.

Moreover, each of the tubes or bars 6, 7 at the lateral upright 2 of the frame 1 and at each of the tubes 54, 55 at the lower upright 5 of the frame 1, corresponds to the level of the connecting element 10. tube or bar 101,102,103 and 104. Thus, the bars 101 and 102 are parallel to each other, the bars 103 and 104 are parallel to each other. It is precisely at one end of these tubes 101,102,103,104 that are located the connections 22,23,24,25, which allow the connection between the support element 9, the lateral amount 2, and the lower amount 5 .

It should therefore be understood that the tubes 101,102,103,104 are located in the extension of the tubes or bars 6,7 of the lateral upright 2 and the tubes or bars 54,55 of the lower upright 5 from the connections 22,23,24,25 up to The parallel tubes or bars 101 and 102 respectively connect the connections 25 and 24 to the support element 9. The parallel tubes or bars 103 and 104 connect the connections 23 and 22, respectively, to the support element 9. support element 9.

It is the same for the connecting element 10 located at the level of the stabilizing means 100 'and which makes it possible to connect the support element 9', the lateral upright 3 and the lower upright 5 of the frame 1.

Advantageously, each stabilizing means 100, 100 'further comprises, at the level of the connections 22, 23, 24, 25, reinforcing elements 21 which connect the parallel tubes or bars 101, 102 on the one hand and 103 , 104 on the other hand.

The uprights 2, 3 and 5 are also advantageously equipped with reinforcing elements 21 at the connections.

It may be noted that in the invention, the junction elements 10 are adapted to the shape of the support elements 9, 9 ', that is to say to the one or two-bar version mentioned above and that in this form, each support element 9, 9 'is connected to a joining element 10, ie at a point of intersection 12 in the one-bar version or at two intersection points 12 and 17 in the two-bar version.

It should be understood that in the holding and fixing device according to the invention each set of two bars 6 and 7; 11 and 13; 11 'and 13' connected by spacers constitutes a plane.

Moreover, as shown in figure 1 in the device according to the invention, the stabilizing means 100, 100 'advantageously comprise so-called "angle elements" 18, 18', 18 ", 18"'designed to reinforce the entire device in the planes perpendicular to the plane in which are the frame 1 and the advertising medium in place on the device, and thus form a set of brackets in these two directions.

Thus, the angle element 18, in the form of a bracon, connects the tube 101 of the connecting element 10 to the support element 9. In addition, the bracket member 18 "connects the tube 104 of the connecting element 10 to the support element 9. Said brackets reinforce the connection between the connecting elements 10 and the support elements 9,9 '.

Advantageously also, the stabilizing means 100, 100 'further comprise an element each in the form of a brace 19, 19' connecting in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the frame 1 the support element 9, 9 'and the frame 1. More precisely here, the brace 19 connects the support element 9 to the lateral upright 2, while the brace 19 'connects the support element 9' to the lateral upright 3.

In a particularly advantageous way, as illustrated on the figure 1 , and in more detail on the figure 3 the stabilizing means 100, 100 'comprise also securing means 20,20 'which also serve as means of equalization and stabilization of the support elements 9,9' and allow to maintain them level while securing them adequately to the ground.

It should be noted that, in order for the device to have a minimum weight, the tubes or parallel bars of the holding and fixing device according to the invention are hollow.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the support elements 9, 9 'are advantageously in the form of three bars or parallel tubes. Said bars or tubes are connected in pairs by spacers. In this embodiment, preferably, the uprights 2, 3, 5 and the upper amount of the frame 1 are also in the form of three bars or parallel tubes connected in pairs by spacers.

Note that in this embodiment with three bars or tubes per upright, the connecting elements 10 comprise a connection for each bar or tube of the lateral and lower uprights. These connections extend in the three directions of space. Preferably, the connections are connected in pairs by reinforcing elements 21.

Advantageously, the elements of the device are made of a light material but also mechanically and chemically resistant such as for example aluminum.

Finally, it will be noted that according to the invention, the various elements making it possible to produce said device are advantageously in the form of a series of interlocking elements that can be clipped together and secured using suitable fastening means.

In this case, it will be noted that, analogously to the connections of the connecting elements 10, the uprights of the frame 1 can be in the form of several parts 51 and 52, interconnected by connections 53 similar to the connections 22, 23, 24 and 25.

Claims (11)

1. Device for the support and the fixing of an outdoors advertising medium, for instance taking the form of a canvas, said device comprising a frame (1) delimited by four struts, two lateral struts (2,3), an upper strut (4) and a lower strut (5), each of said struts being composed of at least two parallel tubes (6,7) made of appropriate material and joined to each other with spacers (8,8'), said support device comprising stabilizing means (100,100') characterised in that they comprise two support elements 9, 9', each of them being placed at the bottom of one of the lateral struts (2, 3) at the bottom of the frame (1) and perpendicularly to the plane of the frame, each support element (9,9') presenting itself under the form of at least two parallel tubes or bars (11,13 ; 11',13') joined to each other with spacers (14, 14',... ; 15, 15' , ...) .
2. Device according to claim 1,
   characterised in that each strut (2,3,5) and each support element present itself under the form of two parallel tubes or bars 11,13 ; 11',13').
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that the stabilizing means (100,100') also comprise at least two junction elements (10) allowing to join each support element 9, 9' to the lower part of the frame (1), said junction elements (10) comprising couplings which join each of the support elements (9,9') to one of the lateral struts (2,3) of the frame and to the lower strut (5).
4. Device according to claim 2 characterised in that each set of two parallel tubes or bars (6,7 ; 11,13 ; 11',13') joined to each other with spacers constitute a plane.
5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the stabilizing means (100,100') also comprise elements referred to as 'angle elements' (18,18',18" ,18" ') designed to reinforce the whole device in the planes perpendicular to the plane in which the frame and the advertising medium positioned on the device are placed, and therefore to form a set of angles in these two directions.
6. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the stabilizing means (100,100') also comprise two elements, each of them presenting itself under the form of a diagonal strut (19,19'), each diagonal strut (19,19') connecting in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the frame (1) one of the support elements (9,9') to one of the lateral struts (2,3) of the frame (1).
7. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the stabilizing means (100,100') also comprise attachment means (20,20') which are also used as levelling and stabilizing means of the support elements (9,9') in order to have said support elements (9,9') at level as fixing them adequately to the ground.
8. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the parallel tubes or bars are hollow.
9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the stabilizing means (100,100') also comprise, located at said couplings, reinforcement means which join the parallel tubes or bars.
10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tubes or bars are made of metal.
11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the different elements allowing the embodiment of said device are presented under the form of a series of nestable elements which can be clipped to each other and fixed by means of appropriate attachment means.

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