System and device for attaching information elements to a post and use of said system and device

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a system for attaching one or more panel-shaped information elements to a post, in particular to a lamppost or traffic signpost, said system comprising:
- a number of upright holders that are formed in order to incorporate the panel-shaped information elements therein, wherein the holders can be coupled with each other in such a manner that they encompass the post;
- at least one attachment device for attaching the holders to said post, the attachment device comprising:
- a first and a second elongated support element, wherein the support elements can be positioned on both sides of the post and wherein clamping elements are attached to each of the support elements, between which the post can be tightly clamped;
- tensioning means that engage the support elements and that are arranged for tightening the clamping elements against the post by reducing the spacing between the support elements.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for attaching one or more panel-shaped information elements to a post, in particular to a lamppost or traffic signpost. The invention also relates to an attachment device for attaching holders for such panel-shaped information elements to a post. The invention also relates to a method for attaching the information elements to a post.

[0002] Attaching information in general or for advertising, in particular for showing to the public on information elements such as advertising panels, posters, placards and suchlike on posts already present in the street, such as to lampposts, posts for the attachment of traffic signs, traffic lights and suchlike, is known in the prior art. The information elements are attached in holders that can be constructed in such a manner that the information elements can be easily exchanged, for example by replacing the information elements with new information elements.

[0003] Numerous devices are known for attaching such holders to a post. Some of these devices are only suitable for (semi-)permanent attachment of the holders to the post. Such systems are often difficult to attach to the post and difficult remove afterwards.

[0004] Furthermore, attachment devices are known that can only be applied for attaching holders to posts of a specific, pre-defined type. In such cases, a different attachment device and/or type of holder needs to be used for each type of post.

[0005] An example of such a system that is suitable for a specific type of post is disclosed in the American patent document US 4 347 678. The document describes a system in which advertising panels are attached to posts by means of clamps. However, the clamps are only suitable for attachment to posts having a rectangular cross-section. The system is less suitable, or even unsuitable, for the attachment of advertising material to a post of any type, for example a post (lamppost) with a circular cross-section. Moreover, the advertising elements in this well-known system are difficult to exchange because the advertising elements have to be attached to a panel of the system.

[0006] In the document NL 1 019 247 the inventor discloses a system in which two clamping brackets are attached to a post, one above the other. Once the clamping brackets are in place, they form two supports to which a carrier element can be coupled. A number of carrier arms can be attached to the carrier element. The carrier element and the carrier arms can serve as a support for so-called incorporating elements into which the advertising panels are mounted.

[0007] However, this known system has a number of drawbacks. The first drawback is that the attachment of the system to the post is rather complex and time-consuming. First, the two clamping brackets need to be attached to the post, a support construction needs to be attached to the clamping brackets and only after this has been done can the holders for the advertising panels be mounted.

[0008] A further drawback of the known system is that all of the holders are only coupled on one side of the support construction. From a constructive point of view, this is disadvantageous as this restricts the stability of the holders. For example, if vandals attempt to damage the holder, for example by hanging on the holders there is a risk that the holder will be damaged and/or that the holder will then hang askew. In order to prevent this, the components of the known system need to be of a heavy-duty construction, which is not disadvantageous as far as costs are concerned, but also because this constitutes a heavy load for those persons who need to attach the system to the post.

[0009] A further drawback of the known system is that a flexible steel strap or a tensioning strap needs to be fitted around the post so that the clamping bracket can be tightly secured to the post. Such a tensioning strap has to be fitted in its entirety all around the post. The tensioning strap and the clamping bracket both ensure that the post is covered locally and inaccessible from the exterior. This can mean, for example, that a provision in the wall of the post, e.g. a small access flap in a lamppost that can be removed to access electronic circuits in the lamppost, is at least partially concealed. As a result the provision is therefore no longer accessible once the system has been attached to the post. In some cases, this is unacceptable and, moreover, in the case of a lamppost, it is often prohibited. In the known system therefore, sometimes special adapters are required in order to attach the tensioning straps in other positions around the post, so that the aforementioned provisions are kept freely accessible. This means a further increase in the complexity of the system, which does not benefit the speed of mounting or the costs involved.

[0010] Furthermore, the known system is available in two alternative types, one with two holders for the advertising panels and another with three elements. The holders used in the different types vary in shape and are therefore not interchangeable. Therefore, different types of holders have to be manufactured and kept in stock to suit the different types required, which is undesirable from the viewpoint of the universal applicability of the holders.

[0011] The objective of the present invention is to provide a system, an attachment device and/or a method wherein at least one of the abovementioned drawbacks in the prior art is obviated.

[0012] It is also an objective to provide a system, device and method with which information elements can be attached to any type of post quickly and efficiently.

[0013] It is furthermore an objective of the present invention to provide a system, device and method wherein the information elements can be attached to the post in a stable manner without this requiring the use of a relatively heavy-duty construction.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, at least one of the objectives is achieved in a system provided for the attachment of one or more panel-shaped information elements to a post, wherein the system comprises:

• a number of upright holders that are formed in order to incorporate the panel-shaped information elements therein, wherein the holders can be coupled with each other in such a manner that they encompass the post;
• at least one attachment device for attaching the holders to the post, the attachment device comprising:

• a first and a second elongated support element, wherein the support elements can be positioned on both sides of the post and wherein clamping elements are attached to each of the support elements, between which the post can be tightly clamped;
• tensioning means that engage the support elements and that are arranged for tightening the clamping elements against the post by reducing the spacing between the support elements.

[0015] The holders can be attached to the post by means of one or more attachment elements that can be clamped to the post. If the attachment device is coupled beforehand to the holders, or if it forms part of the holders, when the attachment device is attached, the holders are then also attached to the post at the same time. In other embodiments, the attachment device is first attached to the post, after which the holders are mounted onto the attachment device. In embodiments of the invention, the holders can be coupled to the attachment device in many different positions so that a more stable construction can be achieved when the coupling positions are correctly selected. Furthermore, all alternative embodiments of the holders can therefore be attached to the post quickly and simply and with relatively few operations. Because the clamping elements also engage the post only in a few places, this means that the aforementioned provisions on or within the post, such as a hatch, can be kept free.

[0016] According to embodiments of the invention, the first and second support elements can be attached to each other on at least one extremity, or they can be integrated to form a single bracket. If the support elements are attached to each other at a single extremity, or if they form a single construction, the tensioning means to be positioned near to the aforementioned extremities can be omitted and it would suffice only to adequately tighten the support elements in order to provide tensioning means near to the opposing extremities of the support elements. A single tensioning means would also suffice if the support elements are attached to each other at both extremities.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the bracket is substantially U-shaped so that the post can easily slip laterally between the arms of the U-shape, which makes it easy to position the bracket around the post.

[0018] As already previously mentioned, in a further embodiment the system comprises attachment means for attaching the support elements detachably to the holders. First, the support elements, for example, are clamped tightly around the post, after which the holders can be attached to the support elements. In other embodiments the support elements are permanently secured to the holders and can even form part of the holders. These embodiments are specifically (but not solely) suitable for systems wherein only two holders are provided that are or can be attached to each other.

[0019] Although the holders do not have to be coupled to each other and only need to be attached to the post by means of the attachment device(s), in other embodiments neighbouring holders are coupled to each other by means of one or more coupling elements. In one particular embodiment the raised sides of the holders comprise a flange. A flange of one holder will then rest against a flange of another, neighbouring holder when assembled. The coupling elements in this embodiment can be slipped over the neighbouring flanges and thereby couple the respective holders to each other. Both the embodiments having the holders coupled together, as well as those wherein the holders are not coupled, can be provided with centering means, which can be used to centre the holders in relation to each other.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the tensioning means comprise a tensioning element of variable length, engaging the first and second support elements, that is arranged in order to vary the spacing between the support elements by varying the length thereof. When the length of the tensioning element is reduced, the clamping force exerted onto the post via the clamping elements is correspondingly increased.
In this manner, levels of clamping force of such a large degree can be achieved that the support elements and the holders attached thereto are clamped very securely against the post. Depending on the arrangement of the holders and the number of attachment elements of each holder assembly, the clamping force can be of such a high degree that the holders become practically unmovable in relation to the post when subjected to the weight or force exerted by vandals. In practice, the variation in length amounts to between 1% and 30% of the original length of the tensioning element.

[0021] According to one embodiment, an attachment device is attached to each of the holders. In this respect, it can be sufficient to have only one single attachment point per holder, but it is also possible to use multiple attachment points. The attachment points are preferably spaced evenly along the support elements so that a rigid construction is obtained using relatively simple, lightweight means.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a clamping element is movably attached to a support element. In this manner, it is possible to adapt the positioning of the clamping elements according to the dimensions and shape of the post, for example by moving the clamping elements in relation to the support elements until the clamping elements rest against the post. Furthermore, it is possible in this manner to mount the holders in any desired position in relation to the post. In some cases for example, the post needs to be positioned precisely central within the inner space around which the holders are clamped so that the entire construction of post and holders gives an impression of symmetry, but in other cases, however, the post needs to be positioned off-centre, for example in order to take into account the traffic conditions surrounding the post.

[0023] According to one embodiment, a clamping element is arranged so that it can be swivelled in relation to a support element. If, for example, the clamping element is not only movable but can also be swiveled in relation to the support elements, then the clamping elements can be positioned better in relation to any type of post so that proper clamping to the post can be achieved. In one particular embodiment, the clamping elements can be swiveled in such a manner that when assembling the support elements, they can be temporarily swiveled out of the way in order to facilitate the positioning of the attachment device around the post.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the part of the clamping element that can engage the post is manufactured from of a flexible material in order to improve its grip on the post. The flexible material can be rubber for example, but other materials are also conceivable.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the holders are of a type comprising locating slots, whereby the information element between the two frames can be slipped into the locating slots.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the holders are curved in shape, such that when attached they substantially surround the post. This is particularly important when the system has a relatively small number of holders, such as a system with only two holders.

[0027] According to the embodiments of the invention, the system is made up of two upright holders, the longitudinal edges of which can be attached to each other. In other embodiments, the system is made up of two holders as well as two end elements, wherein the holders comprise longitudinal edges between which the end elements can be attached.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, a device is provided for attaching two or more holders to a post in which panel-shaped information elements can be mounted, said device comprising:

• a first and a second elongated support element, wherein the support elements can be positioned on both sides of the post and wherein clamping elements are attached to each of the support elements, between which the post can be tightly clamped;
• tensioning means that engage the support elements and that are arranged for tightening the clamping elements against the post by reducing the spacing between the support elements.

[0029] Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following description of several preferred embodiments thereof. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1, shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the system according to the present invention;

Figures 2A-2C show schematic top views of an embodiment of the attachment device from figure 1 before, during and after clamping thereof onto a post;

Figure 3 shows a perspective side view of an embodiment of the attachment device of the embodiment of the system according to the invention as shown in figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a top view of the embodiment of figure 2, which is attached to a post;

Figure 5 shows a perspective side view of a second embodiment of the system according to the invention;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a part of the second embodiment according to figure 5;

Figure 7 shows a top view of the second embodiment of the system according to the invention as shown in figure 5;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a system according to the invention;

Figure 9 shows a top view of the third embodiment of the attachment device according to the invention.

[0030] Figures 1-4 show a mounting system 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown, the system comprises three advertising panel holders 2, 3, 4. The longitudinal edges of the respective advertising panel holders 2-4 are positioned in abutment with each other and attached to each other. The holders 2-4 are clamped around an inner space having an essentially triangular cross-section. Each of the holders 2-4 comprises a holder frame and a number of support elements. A frame comprises a lower strip 5, an upper strip 8, and side strips 6, 7. In the embodiment shown, the strips both form a triangle but other forms of the frame are also conceivable. A frame furthermore comprises an upright strip 9 which has a strip section 16 on the upper side that extends obliquely inwards.

[0031] Horizontal support elements 10-13 are attached against each of the frames. The frame and the support elements are positioned in relation to each other in such a manner that an elongated locating slot 23 is formed, into which information elements, such as advertising panels (not shown) can be mounted. In the embodiment shown, the advertising panels can be inserted in an upward and downward direction into slots 15 provided on either side of the incorporating space 23, in order to remove or insert the advertising panels from or into the respective holder.

[0032] Figures 1 and 4 show that the three holders 2-4 are provided with flanges 20 along their longitudinal edges, which flanges rest flat against each other when the holders are assembled. This enables so-called retainers 21 to be inserted over the neighbouring flanges 20 so that the related holders can be coupled to each other. In other embodiments (not shown), these retainers are of a different form or may even be omitted. In the latter case, the holders are retained in relation to each other by means of an attachment device (as described hereinafter) with which the system can be attached to a post.

[0033] The flanges 20 are preferably formed in such a manner that they are provided with one or more pins in the one flange and one or more corresponding openings in the other flange. The holders, or at least their flanges 20, can then only rest flat against each other when the respective pin(s) has/have been inserted into the corresponding opening(s). This ensures that the holders are correctly aligned in relation to each other.

[0034] The holders 2-4 are attached to the post via a separate attachment device 30. This attachment device is shown in more detail in figure 2A-4. The embodiment of the attachment device 30 shown comprises a first elongated support element 31, a second elongated support element 32 and an intermediate member 33 attached between them, connecting the support elements 31 and 32 to each other. In the embodiment shown, the support elements 31, 32 are integrated with one another to form a single part by being joined together by the intermediate member 33. In certain embodiments of the invention the support elements are essentially bow-shaped, a U-shape for example. This allows the option of sliding the attachment device 30 via the "open" end of the U-shape over the post (S), for example a lamppost (arrow P₁, figure 2a).

[0035] Clamping elements 40 can be attached to the support elements 31, 32 and can be moved in relation thereto. Each of the clamping elements 40 comprises an essentially U-shaped bracket 41 that can be slidably mounted over the related elongated support element 31, 32. In order to ensure that the brackets 41 can be moved along the support elements without coming loose from the related support element in the process, a pin 42, for example a split pin, is inserted from above into two openings provided in the bracket 41. The pin 42 not only ensures that the bracket 41 can not come loose from the support element, but it also forms a hinge for a clamping block 45 that is hinge-mounted to the bracket 41. The clamping block 45 can rotate in relation to the bracket 41 in order to adapt itself to the shape and dimensions of the post (S) to which it is to be tightly clamped. On the side of the pivotable clamping block 45 to be positioned facing the post, a rubber element 45 is provided that can ensure an improved grip of the clamping block onto the post and/or reduce the risk of damage to the post.

[0036] Figure 2A shows that the clamping elements 40' located nearest to the open end of the U-shape can be rotated substantially flat against the inside of the respective support element 31, 32 in order to create sufficient space to slidably mount the attachment device onto the post (direction P1). Once the post has reached a position between the clamping elements 40, 40', the clamping elements located nearest to the free ends of the support elements 31, 32 can be swiveled back (direction P3) into the position shown in figure 2B. In this position, further swiveling is prevented due to the position of the hinge pin 42 of the clamping element and the design of the clamping block 45 and the bracket 41. More specifically, when swiveled, at a certain point the clamping block 45 comes to rest against a part of the bracket 41 so that the clamping block can no longer be swiveled. The angle (α) between the post 31, 32 and the clamping block 45 at which the clamping block can no longer swivel is selected in such a manner that firm clamping can be achieved on posts with a wide variety of shapes and/or dimensions. The angle (α) in the embodiment shown in figure 2B is approx. 45 degrees. More generally, in certain embodiments the angle will be between approx. 80 and 30 degrees and preferably between 30 and 60 degrees.

[0037] The brackets 41 are then moved towards each other (direction P2, figure 2C) until the rubber elements 46 rest against the outside of the post. In this position the attachment device 30 is already quite firmly clamped to the post. However, in order to clamp the attachment device 30 even more firmly, a tensioning element 50 is mounted near to the free ends of the support elements 31, 32. The tensioning element 50 comprises a first hook-shaped component 51, a second hook-shaped component 52 and a lever 53. The first hook-shaped component 51 is attached into an opening 54 in a support element 32 and the second hook-shaped component 52 is attached into a corresponding opening 54 in the first support element 31. The tensioning element 50 is arranged so that both of the extremities of the support elements 31, 32 can be drawn towards each other (direction P4, figure 4) by operating the lever 53 so that the support elements are subjected to a tension force. The support elements 31, 32 are permanently joined to each other by means of the intermediate member 33 at the opposing extremity and so the pulling force exerted by the tensioning element 50 causes an increase in the tension in the support elements and thus an increase in the clamping force with which the clamping elements 40 are clamped tightly to the post.

[0038] In the embodiment shown, the tensioning element 50 is constructed in such a manner that when the lever 53 is pushed downwards from an upward position, this results in a shortening of the length of the tensioning element 50 thereby reducing the distance between the support elements 31, 32. The reduction in this intermediate distance causes the tension in the support elements to increase to a sufficient degree. The variation in length of the tensioning element 50 is chosen in such a manner that, depending on the specific diameter of the post, sufficient clamping force can be generated (figure 2C).

[0039] Because the design includes movable clamping elements 40, it is possible to use a single type of tensioning element 50 for posts of varying designs (for example posts of varying shapes or dimensions). This means that, depending on the design of the post, the clamping elements 40 can always be moved toward each other to a greater or lesser extent until the clamping elements come to rest against the post. For a post with a relatively large diameter, the distance between neighbouring clamping elements will remain great, whilst for a post having a relatively small diameter the intermediate distance will be smaller.

[0040] Furthermore, the tensioning element 50 can be secured in position by a locking device, for example the hasp of a padlock, through an opening 55 provided in the hook-shaped element 52 and in the lever 53. In a secured position, the lever 53 can no longer be raised and thus remains fixed in a state of tension between the support elements.

[0041] Once the attachment device 30 is in position, further attachment devices 30' can be attached to the post (S) at higher or lower positions. In some cases however, a single attachment device 30 is sufficient for attaching the holders of the advertising panels.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in figure 1, there are two attachment devices 30, 30', each located one above the other. Subsequently, the three holders 2-4 need to be attached to said attachment devices. To this end, the holders 2 and 4 are attached to the respective attachment device 30, 30' by means of two attachment claws 35. More specifically, an attachment claw 35 is attached to one of the support elements 10-13 of the holder and one of the support elements 31, 32 of the attachment device 30.

[0043] In the embodiment shown, the attachment claws 35 are constructed in exactly the same manner as the brackets 41 previously mentioned. This has the advantage that the number of different components used in the attachment device can be restricted. In other embodiments (not shown), the attachment claws 35 can be of a different construction, for example a support with a U-shaped cavity.

[0044] The attachment claws 35 are attached to the support elements 31, 32 by means of a pin 42, for example a split pin or similar means. The pin 42 is inserted through an opening provided in the claw and through an opening provided in the support elements 31, 32. In this manner, two of the three holders, i.e. holder 2 and holder 4, can be attached to the attachment device 30, 30'. The last holder 3 is attached by means of a lip 56 specially provided on one of the free extremities of the support elements (in the embodiment shown, support element 31). To this end, a pin 57 is inserted through one of the openings 14 provided in the respective support element 10-13. The free extremity of the other support elements 32 is not provided with such a lip as one extremity of the attachment device has to be freely movable in order to allow the tensioning element 50 to perform its function.

[0045] Figures 5-7 show yet another embodiment of the system according to the invention. In this other embodiment the system comprises only two advertising panel holders 2, 3. In the embodiment shown, the advertising panel holders 2, 3 are of exactly the same construction as those previously described and shown in figures 1-4. In this embodiment, the longitudinal edges of the holders 2, 3 are not directly attached to each other, but are attached to side strips 60, 61. As in the holders 2, 3, the side strips are also provided with longitudinal flanges 62 that rest against the flanges 20 of the holders 2, 3 when assembled. The neighbouring flanges, in this case the flanges 20 of each of the holders 2, 3 and flange 62 of each of the side strips 60, 61, are attached to each other by means of the previously mentioned retainers 21.

[0046] In this embodiment, the attachment device for attaching the advertising panel holders 2, 3 to the post is not formed as a bow-shaped device 30, but by the support elements 10-13 already present in the holders 2, 3. The support elements 10-13 are provided with a number of openings 14, into which the tensioning element 50 can be hooked in the same manner as previously described and as shown in figure 5.

[0047] When assembling the advertising panel holders 2, 3 according to the present embodiment, a slightly different sequence is followed than for the assembly described for the embodiment shown in figures 1-4. Firstly, one of the advertising panel holders is positioned against a post (S), i.e. the rubber elements 46 of the hinged parts 45 of the clamping elements 40 that are attached to the support components 10-13 are positioned against the post. The second advertising panel holder is then positioned against the opposite side of the post so that its clamping elements 40 also press against the post (S).

[0048] In a subsequent step, the side strip 60, 61 is placed against the flanges 20 of the two holders 2, 3 and these are connected together by means of the previously mentioned retainers 21. The entire holder assembly can then be readily tightly clamped to the post to a certain extent. To achieve a higher degree of clamping force exerted by the holders 2, 3 against the post (S), the tensioning element 50, as previously described, is positioned in the openings 14 provided in the respective support element 10-13. This situation is shown in figure 7. By reducing the length of the tensioning element 50, and because the holders 2, 3, and more specifically their support components 10, are connected to each other on the other side of the post (S), the support components 10 are drawn towards each other. This causes such an increase in the clamping force transmitted onto the post via the support components 10 and the clamping elements 40, that the advertising panel holders 2, 3 can be attached to the respective post in a highly stable manner.

[0049] An alternative embodiment of a system, constructed from two holders 2, 3, is shown in figures 8 and 9. The construction and function of the system is largely similar to that of the previously described embodiments. However, in the embodiment shown in figures 8 and 9, the holders 62 and 63 are no longer entirely identical to the holders used in the embodiments previously described, but these are provided along their free longitudinal edges with a widening 64. Again, the longitudinal edges of the widening 64 are each provided with a flange 20, in a manner widely known, so that the two holders 62, 63 can be attached to each other by means of the previously mentioned retainers 21.

[0050] The holders according to the present embodiment, with which a twin-panel system can be formed, are no longer interchangeable with the holders with which the triple-panel or multiple-panel systems previously shown are manufactured. The drawback in this case is that different components (i.e. different holders) need to be made for alternative embodiments of the system. However, one advantage is that the side strips previously described can be omitted, which in itself results in a reduction in the number of components that need to be manufactured.
In order to prevent information elements already mounted in the holders being removed by unauthorized persons, the holders are provided with one or more locking elements 58 with which the locating slots for the information elements can be secured, as desired. An example of such a locking element is shown in figures 1 and 4. A locking element 58 is attached to a foot 56 provided on each of the holders. A foot is provided with a hole 57 which, in turn, is provided with an internal screw thread into which a threaded pin (not shown) can be inserted. Two rotating locking lips 48, 49 are attached to the foot 56 by means of the threaded pin. The uppermost locking lip 49 is integrated with a clamping element 47. If the threaded pin is somewhat loosened by screwing and there is sufficient play between the upper and lower lips, these can rotate in relation to each other. The lips 48, 49 can then be rotated so that they allow sufficient space for the information elements to pass in between. When the information elements have been inserted into the holders, the lips 48 and 49 can be rotated so that they can lock the locating slots in order to prevent the information elements from being removed from the holder. The lips 48 and 49 are further provided with a projection with a corresponding opening which ensure that when the lips are clamped against each other, they can no longer rotate in relation to each other, whilst they can rotate in respect of each other if there is some space remaining between the lips. By tightening down the threaded pin and thus reducing the gap between the lips, it can be ensured that the lips prevent the removal of the information elements.

[0051] The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments thereof described herein. The rights requested are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which numerous modifications are conceivable.

Claims

1. System for attaching one or more panel-shaped information elements to a post, in particular to a lamppost or traffic signpost, said system comprising:

- a number of upright holders that are formed in order to incorporate the panel-shaped information elements therein, wherein the holders can be coupled with each other in such a manner that they can encompass the post;

- at least one attachment device for attaching the holders to said post, said attachment device comprising:

- a first and a second elongated support element, wherein said support elements can be positioned on both sides of said post and wherein clamping elements are attached to each of said support elements, between which said post can be tightly clamped;

- tensioning means that engage the support elements and that are arranged for tightening said clamping elements against the post by reducing the spacing between said support elements.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the first and second support element can be attached to each other on at least one end.

3. System according to claims 1 or 2, wherein said first and second support elements are integrated to form a single bracket.

4. System according to claim 3, wherein said bracket is essentially U-shaped.

5. System according to any of the preceding claims, comprising attachment means for the detachable attachment of said support elements to the holders.

6. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said support elements are permanently connected to said holders.

7. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein neighbouring holders can be coupled to each other by means of one or more coupling elements.

8. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said tensioning means comprise a tensioning element of variable length, engaging the first and second support elements, said tensioning means being arranged in order to vary the spacing between the support elements by varying the length thereof.

9. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said attachment device is attached to each of the holders.

10. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a clamping element is movably attached to a support element.

11. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a clamping element is designed in such a manner that it can swivel in relation to a support element.

12. System according to claim 11, wherein a clamping element is arranged in order to limit the maximum possible extent of swiveling in a direction of swivel.

13. System according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a clamping element is designed to be capable of swiveling in such a manner that, in the clamping situation, the angle (α) between a support element and said clamping element amounts to between 30 and 80 degrees, preferably between 40 and 60 degrees.

14. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the part of said clamping element that can engage said post is constructed from a flexible material.

15. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a holder comprises a frame that in turn comprises locating slots, wherein said information element can be slidably inserted between the two frames into said locating slots.

16. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a locating element comprises locating slots into which an information element can be slidably inserted, as well as securing means for securing said information elements into said locating slots.

17. System according to the preceding claim, wherein said locating slots have a closed end and an opposing open end and wherein said securing means comprise a locking element with which the open end of said locating slots can be locked.

18. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said holders are of such a curved shape that they substantially encompass said post when mounted.

19. System according to any of the preceding claims, formed by two upright holders, the longitudinal edges of which can be attached to each other.

20. System according to any of the claims 1-18, that is formed by two holders and two end elements, wherein said holders comprise longitudinal edges between which said end elements can be attached.

21. System according to any of the claims 1-18, that is formed by three holders that can be attached to each other by means of their longitudinal edges.

22. System according to any of the preceding claims, provided with a number of information elements, in particular advertising panels.

23. Device for the attachment of two or more holders into which panel-shaped information elements can be inserted, said device comprising:

- a first and a second elongated support element, wherein said support elements can be positioned on both sides of said post and wherein clamping elements are attached to each of said support elements, between which said post can be tightly clamped;

- tensioning means that engage said support elements and that are arranged for tightening said clamping elements against said post by reducing the spacing between said support elements.

24. Device according to claim 23, wherein said first and second support elements can be attached to each other on at least one end.

25. Device according to claims 23 or 24, wherein said first and second support elements are integrated to form a single bracket.

26. Device according to claim 25, wherein said bracket is essentially U-shaped.

27. System according to any of the preceding claims, comprising attachment means for the detachable attachment of said support elements to said holders.

28. Device according to any of the claims 23-27, wherein said tensioning means comprise a tensioning element of variable length, engaging said first and second support elements, said tensioning means being arranged in order to vary the spacing between said support elements by varying the length thereof.

29. Device according to any of the claims 23-28, wherein a clamping element is movably attached to a support element.

30. Device according to any of the claims 23-29, wherein a clamping element is designed such that it can swivel in relation to a support element.

31. System according to claim 30, wherein a clamping element is arranged in order to restrict the maximum possible extent of swiveling in a direction of swivel.

32. System according to claim 30 or 31, wherein a clamping element is designed to be capable of swiveling so that, in the clamping situation, the angle (α) between a support element and said clamping element is between 30 and 80 degrees, preferably between 40 and 60 degrees.

33. Device according to any of the claims 23-32, wherein the part of said clamping element that can engage said post is manufactured from a flexible material.

34. The use of a system and/or device according to any of the preceding claims.

Drawing