WO2006128200A1

WO2006128200A1 - Flags and banners

Info

Publication number: WO2006128200A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2005/000075
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keith Arnold Munro
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-05-24
Filing date: 2005-05-24
Publication date: 2006-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2007-11-24

Abstract

A supporting structure for a banner, flag or the like has a pair of poles, one being inserted into the ground or a stand, the second being joined rotationally in line with the first by means of a gooseneck.

Description

FLAGSAND BANNERS

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a support for flags and banners.

BACKGROUND ART

The proliferation of advertising banners in recent years has prompted the design of various shapes of banners and of supports for the banners.

Most of the arrangements comprise a peripheral frame structure which is of a spring steel or fibreglass reinforced polymer. The frame is enclosed in a peripheral seam of the banner so that the material thereof is stretched due to the resilience of the frame structure.

In one form of the banner construction the material is stretched over a curved pole made from a spring metal or polymer. The pole may be curved at its extremity, the outer extremity being anchored in the ground or to a suitable stand or the like. It is difficult to arrange such a construction to swing easily in a wind and thereby provide an attractive appearance and although they have proved popular, there is a lack of satisfying aesthetic appeal, particularly in windy conditions.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple arrangement whose appearance improves with increased wind and which is easy to manufacture.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention a supporting structure for a banner, flag or the like includes a first pole adapted to be inserted into the ground or anchored in a stand or the like, and a second pole which is freely rotatably mounted in line with the first pole. In a preferred form of the invention the first pole includes a formation at a high level adapted to receive the end of the second pole in rotatable relationship.

The formation may be a block affixed to the top of the first pole, the block having a vertical orifice to receive the end of the second pole or an element associated therewith. Thus, a gooseneck element may be provided whose two ends are in the ends of the two poles thus affording excellent rotational movement.

The second pole may be of spring metal or polymer and is accommodated in a hem of the banner or flag thus stretching the material to display the advertising or other printed information. However, it will be appreciated that the second pole may support a conventional flag or other type of banner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA WINGS

Three embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which are cross-sectional views of the ends of the two poles thus illustrating the rotational relationship therebetween as well as a general side view.

BEST MODE FOR CARR YING OUT THE INVENTION

In Figure 1 a first pole 10 is anchored in the ground or stand and receives the one end of a gooseneck 12 which abuts a block 14 to maintain the neck clear of the top of the pole and thereby render it free to rotate.

The other end 16 of the gooseneck enters the lower end of the second pole 18 in free relationship. The second pole supports a banner 20, the hem 22 of which is shown in the drawing. The general arrangement is shown in the general view of Figure 1.

In Figure 2, the arrangement is virtually the same, the shape of the gooseneck being a little different from that of Figure 1. The dotted line in the general view of Figure 2 shows an alternative shape of flag or banner. The arrangement in Figure 3 includes a block 30 which receives the pole 10 in non-rotating relationship, the block being adjustable on the pole. A rope 32 extends down the pole. The second pole is housed in a cavity 34 in the block with the minimum of friction.

It will be appreciated that the systems of the invention may be easily dismantled for storage in a small space.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A supporting structure for a banner, flag or the like characterised by a first pole adapted to be inserted into the ground or anchored in a stand or the like, and a second pole which is freely rotatably mounted in line with the first pole.

2. The supporting structure according to claim 1 characterised in that the first pole includes a formation at a high level adapted to receive the end of the second pole in rotatable relationship.

3. The supporting structure according to claim 2 characterised in that the formation is a block affixed to the top of the first pole, the block having a vertical orifice to receive the end of the second pole or an element associated therewith.

4. The supporting structure according to claim 3 characterised in that a gooseneck element is provided whose two ends are in the ends of the two poles.

5. The supporting structure according to any of the above claims characterised in that the second pole is of spring metal or polymer and is accommodated in a hem of the banner or flag thus stretching the material to display the advertising or other printed information.