Abstract
A billboard advertising apparatus and installation method include an under-layer base and an overlying image layer. The under-layer provides an opaque white surface to a billboard panel as well as protection for the overlying image layer. The image layer is a thin translucent color layer with advertising or message copy. With the presence of a base or under-layer, the cost to make the image layer may be significantly reduced.
Claims
1. A billboard display system comprising: a billboard structure having at least one area defining a display face; an opaque white under layer surface positioned over the display face, the under-layer surface substantially void of visible markings; a translucent, digitally printed image layer, wherein the translucent printed image surface is installed over the white, opaque under layer surface.
2. The billboard display system of claim 1, wherein the opaque white layer comprises at least one of a painted surface and a layer of white material affixed to the billboard structure and configured to cover the display face.
3. The billboard display system of claim 2, wherein the opaque white layer is removably affixed to the billboard structure with mechanical fasteners.
4. The billboard display system of claim 3, wherein the fasteners comprise tensioning straps, spring tensioners, pole tensioners, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and adhesives.
5. A method for providing advertising on a billboard, the billboard having a display face for receiving advertising, comprising: securing a white under-layer to the billboard to cover at least a portion of the display face; securing a first image layer over the white under layer, wherein the first image layer is a translucent material with an image applied to the translucent material.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: allowing a period of time to elapse following securing the first image layer; removing the first image layer; and securing a second image layer over the white under-layer, wherein the second image layer is a translucent material with an image applied to the translucent material.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the white under-layer comprises one of a flexible textile, white paint and a white vinyl.
8. The method of claim 6, further comprising applying at least one of a polymer coating, an extrusion coating and a solution coating to the first image layer.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one of a polymer coating, extrusion coating and solution coating is applied to the first image layer before an image is applied to the first image layer.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one of a polymer coating, extrusion coating and solution coating is applied to the first image layer after an image is applied to the first image layer.
Description
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions.
(2) FIG. 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a white, opaque plastic sheeting used as an under-layer surface according to the present disclosure.
(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dual billboard structure affixed to a single mounting pole.
(4) FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a traditional billboard installation method.
(5) FIG. 4 depicts a white under layer surface according to aspects of the present disclosure installed on a typical billboard structure.
(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a printed billboard image with perimeter pockets.
(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the billboard image of FIG. 5 installed on top of an under-layer surface of the type illustrated in FIG. 1 on a billboard structure.
(8) FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a spring tensioner for securing an underlaying layer or a image layer to a billboard structure.
(9) FIG. 8A is a plan view of the underside of an underlaying layer with the socket portion of multiple snaps secured to the underlaying layer.
(10) FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the backside of a billboard showing post portions of snaps affixed to the billboard structure and intended to mate with the socket portions shown in FIG. 8A.
(11) FIG. 9A is a plan view of the underside of an underlaying layer with loop fasteners affixed the underlaying layer.
(12) FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the backside of a billboard showing the hook fasteners affixed to the backside of the billboard structure and intended to mate with the fasteners of FIG. 9A.
(13) FIG. 10 is a cross section of a billboard showing an underlay affixed to the billboard by an adhesive layer.
(14) While the following disclosure describes the invention in connection with those embodiments presented, one should understand that the invention is not strictly limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, one should understand that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and that in certain instances, the disclosure may not include details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention, such as conventional details of fabrication and assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(15) Turning to FIG. 1, one embodiment of an underlying layer 10 of an interchangeable billboard advertisement is shown. According to aspects of the present disclosure, the underlying layer 10 would typically be a lightweight, flexible material with a solid white coating. Perimeter pockets 14 are also illustrated.
(16) As shown in FIG. 2, one embodiment of a billboard structure 18 is illustrated. The billboard structure 18 includes a support pole 22, a first panel 26A and second panel 26B and a first walkway 30A and a second walkway 30B. Each panel 26A and B has a front side 36 and a back side 40. A skeletal structure 44 supports each panel 26A and B. When installing the underlying layer 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, the underlying layer 10 is positioned on the front side 36 of the billboard panel 26A or 26B and the pockets 14 wrap around the edges 48 of the billboard panel 26. As shown in FIG. 3, tensioning rods 52 are positioned in the pockets 14 and are secured to the back side 40 of a billboard panel 26 with tensioning straps 56 secured to the skeleton structure 44. The straps 56 typically include an adjustment or tensioning mechanism 60 to apply increased tension to rods 52 positioned in each of the perimeter pockets 14. As those of skill in the art will understand, different tensioning mechanisms may be used in place of the tensioning mechanism 30 to achieve the same result. Such alternatives include but are not limited to straps, hook and loop fasteners and adhesives. An example of a spring tensioning mechanism is shown in FIG. 7 where a tension spring 74 extends between the billboard structure 44 and a tensioning rod 52 disposed in the pocket 14 of an underlying layer 10. An example of a snap attachment mechanism is shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG. 8A shows a plurality of socket portions 76 attached to the underside an underlying layer 10. FIG. 8B illustrates post members 78 affixed to the backside of the billboard structure 44. Interconnecting the socket and post members secures the underlying layer to the billboard structure. It should be appreciated that the sockets may alternatively be affixed to the billboard structure and the post members affixed to the underlying layer. A hook and loop fastener arrangement is show in FIGS. 9A and 9B. FIG. 9A illustrates loop fasteners 80 attached to the underside of the underlying layer 10. FIG. 9B illustrates hook fasteners 82 attached to the backside of a billboard structure 44. Interconnecting the loop and hook fasteners secures the underlying layer to the billboard structure. It should be appreciated that the loop members 80 may alternatively be affixed to the billboard structure and the hook fasteners 82 affixed to the underlying layer. FIG. 10 illustrates an underlaying layer 10 attached to a billboard structure 44 by an adhesive 84.
(17) FIG. 4 illustrate a billboard structure 18 with the under-layer structure 10 affixed to the billboard structure 18.
(18) FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a billboard image layer 70. The image layer is provided on a light weight, flexible material, and includes a main body portion 72 containing the image or message to be conveyed, and perimeter pockets 74. Examples of acceptable material include a translucent non-woven and non-knitted textile, including but not limited to polyester and polypropylene. The image may be printed onto the material using printing techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as ink jet printing, dye sublimation printing, lithographic or silkscreen printing. The image may be one or more a word, a design, a logo, a symbol, an object, an animal and a person. A polymer coating may be applied to either or both sides of the image layer before printing to enhance the printing process or following printing to provide a protective coating to reduce the effect of weather and wear and tear.
(19) FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the billboard image 70 of FIG. 5 installed on a billboard structure 18. The image material 70 is installed over an under-layer material 10. Fiberglass rods or similar structures are positioned in the pockets and secured to the backside of a billboard with tensioning mechanisms as discussed above with respect to the underlayer 10. The pockets 74 wrap around the edges of a billboard panel and are typically not visible from the front side of the panel. As an alternative to using the under-layer 10, the front face and edges of a billboard panel may be covered with a white paint or white vinyl or similar base coating. The base provided by the under-layer 10 or paint or vinyl coating provides a long-lasting surface to the front face of a billboard panel that need not be changed when the advertising image 70 is changed. The base coating reduces rough or sharp edges and imperfections in the face of the billboard that can damage an advertising message when applied and provides a smoother surface against which the image surface 70 may move or shift with a reduced likelihood of damage. In turn, by utilizing a base coating, the image material 70 may be made from less expensive and less robust material than is the case of traditional billboard advertising material which is plastic sheeting with either polyester scrim coated with a compounded PVC or woven polyethylene.
(20) While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
