System and method for attaching information elements to a post

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a system for attaching one or more panel-like information elements to a post, particularly a lamppost or traffic sign post, the system comprising:
- a number of standing holders which are embodied to enable the panel-like information elements to be arranged therein and which are provided with one or more holder parts, wherein the holders can be mutually attached such that they can enclose the post;
- at least one attachment device for attaching the holders to the post, the attachment device comprising:
- a first clamping unit adapted to fixedly clamp the attachment device at random position to the post;
- a second clamping unit adapted to fixedly clamp the attachment device at random position to the holder part of the holder.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for attaching one or more panel-like information elements to a post, particularly a lamppost or traffic sign post, the system comprising a number of standing holders which are embodied to enable the panel-like information elements to be arranged therein and which are provided with one or more holder parts, wherein the holders can be mutually attached such that they can enclose the post; and at least one attachment device for attaching the holders to the post. The invention also relates to an attachment device for attaching such holders to a post and to the use of such an attachment device and such an attachment system.

[0002] Known from the document NL 2001714C of the same inventor is another mounting system for mounting two or more holders for information elements. Use is made here of an attachment device constructed from a U-shaped support which can be attached to members positioned opposite each other on different holders. Attachment of the U-shaped support takes place using a number of attaching brackets. The attaching brackets can be attached to the members at several discrete positions using a number of pin-hole connections.

[0003] Four clamping elements can be arranged in pivotable manner on the U-shaped support. Each of the clamping elements comprises a bracket for attaching the clamping element to the U-shaped support and a clamping block arranged pivotally on the bracket. The four clamping blocks can be positioned around the post, after which the clamping elements are pressed against the post using a tightening element. The holders with the information elements provided therein can in this way be attached with clamping fit to the post.

[0004] An advantage of the known mounting system is that the attachment device can be fixed to the holders at a number of different positions, this in turn providing extensive options for attaching the holder to the post. The known mounting system does however also have a number of drawbacks. In the case of posts with a relatively smooth outer surface, for instance powder-coated lampposts or the like, it has for instance been found that, especially in extremely moist conditions, the clamping force is sometimes barely sufficient to hold the holders in place when great force is exerted thereon, for instance because a person is hanging on the holders.

[0005] The attaching bracket of the known mounting system is moreover attached to at least two holders simultaneously in order to increase the stability of the holders when they arranged on the post. Although this is advantageous for reasons of stability, it does mean that it is less easy to detach the holders from each other, for instance to gain access to the attachment device. When all holders are for instance attached to the attachment device, none of the holders can be easily removed or folded open.

[0006] A further drawback of the known mounting system is that it has a fairly complex construction and requires a rather large number of different components, which means that the cost of manufacturing the mounting system and/or the cost of mounting or removing the holder respectively on or from the posts can rise relatively high.

[0007] A further drawback is that the attachment device can only be attached to (the members of) the holders at a limited number of positions, which does to some extent limit the possible applications of the system.

[0008] A mounting system is known from another document, NL 1 019 247 C2, of the same inventor. The attachment device thereof is provided with two clamping units. Each clamping unit has a V-shaped receiving element and a clamp housing positioned opposite, and is clamped fixedly to the post using a steel tensioning strap.

[0009] A drawback of this known device is that the clamp housing can only be attached to the post via a special element, i.e. a V-shaped receiving element. This makes assembly difficult.

[0010] A further drawback is that the attachment device can only be attached at one fixed position to the holders, more particularly to a standing holder part.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting system in which at least some of the above stated and/or other prior art drawbacks are obviated or reduced.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, this object is achieved in a system of the type stated in the preamble, in which the attachment device comprises:

• a first clamping unit adapted to fixedly clamp the attachment device at random position to the post;
• a second clamping unit adapted to fixedly clamp the attachment device at random position to the holder part of the holder.

[0013] The device can be attached at random positions to the post and also at random positions to the holder without one or more fixed attaching positions having to be taken into account here. The second clamping unit is preferably adapted to fix the attachment device at a substantially random, continuously adjustable position along the associated holder part. There need not therefore be any attachment at discrete positions, for instance with bolts and mounting openings pre-provided in the holder.

[0014] By fixedly clamping the clamping units instead of attaching them with a number of pin-hole connections, the attachment device can be displaced along the members until the correct position is obtained, after which fixing takes place by fixedly clamping the device at this position. This means that the attachment process is effected in rapid and simple manner.

[0015] The attachment device can further be fixed to a random part of the holder, for instance a lying part of the holder, instead of only to a standing part of the holder. There is therefore a great freedom in the orientation of the holders relative to the post.

[0016] It is also possible to clamp the device fixedly to a single holder, not to two or more. This means that the holder (s) to which the device is (are) not attached can be removed from the holder (s) which is (are) indeed attached to the post, for instance to give a fitter better access to the inner space enclosed by the holders.

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention the first clamping unit comprises:

• a support body provided with a guide element along which a flexible clamping strap can be guided and with a tensioning unit with which the clamping strap can be tensioned for thereby fixedly clamping the support body to the post. The tensioning unit can for instance comprise a bracket-like tensioning component which can be displaced using a screw or the like in longitudinal direction of the support body (and generally in radial direction relative to the post) in order to tighten the clamping strap firmly around the post. The clamping strap is preferably manufactured from plastic, in particular a plastic with a relatively rough inner side for a good grip on the post. In an advantageous embodiment the clamping strap is manufactured from a fabric, more particularly a nylon fabric.

[0018] In an embodiment of the invention the second clamping unit comprises:

• a bracket with receiving space for receiving a holder part therein;
• a clamping element to be placed in the bracket for confining the holder part in the receiving space.

[0019] In the confined position (for instance when the clamping element is pushed into two openings provided at the outer ends of the bracket and the holder part extends in the thus resulting opening) the clamping element is slidable along the relevant holder part. During the sliding the holder does however remain attached to the clamping element. This makes positioning of the holder relative to the attachment device (and the post possibly attached thereto) relatively easy. Only when the holder is positioned correctly is the bracket clamped fixedly to the holder.

[0020] In an embodiment of the invention the second clamping unit comprises:

• a bracket with receiving space for receiving a holder part therein;
• a clamping element which is to be placed in the bracket and which is displaceable between a position substantially allowing movement of the holder part in the receiving space and a position clamping the holder part substantially fixedly in the receiving space.

[0021] Using the bracket and the clamping element the device can easily be clamped fixedly to the holder, particularly to a lying holder part (profile part) of the holder. The clamping element can have numerous embodiments. The clamping element can for instance be formed by a bolt assembled from a bolt head and an elongate pin provided thereon, wherein the pin of the bolt is provided with a radial protrusion. In such an embodiment the clamping element can be rotatable between a first position in which the radial protrusion is not directed toward the receiving space so that the holder part can be displaced therein, and a second position in which the radial protrusion is directed toward the receiving space so that a possible holder part is clamped fixedly in the receiving space by the protrusion. Another example of a clamping element is a rotating shaft which is provided with an eccentric part (i.e. an eccentric), for instance in the form of a cam or disc which can co-rotate with the shaft and wherein the shaft engages outside the centre of the cam or disc. By being rotated the cam or disc can hereby be clamped fixedly against the associated holder part.

[0022] In an embodiment of the invention the holders are of a type in which receiving channels are provided, for instance along the upright inner edges of the holder, wherein the receiving channels are embodied such that one or more of the above stated information elements are slidable therein.

[0023] In an embodiment of the invention the first and second clamping units are embodied pivotally relative to each other. An advantage hereof can be that the positioning options of the holders relative to the post are hereby enhanced. The clamping units can further be adapted to be fixed in a desired relative pivot position.

[0024] A holder can comprise a number of strips which form a frame in which the information elements can be received. It is possible to provide one or more standing and/or lying holder parts between the strips. The strips and/or other holder parts can be embodied as metal or plastic profiles, either hollow or solid. The holder parts are provided, among other purposes, to hold the information elements in place and can also be used according to the invention to mount the attachment device(s) thereon.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the invention, the holders have a curved form such that in mounted position they substantially enclose the post. This is particularly important in systems having a relatively small number of holders, such as for instance a system with only two holders placed opposite each other.

[0026] In an embodiment of the invention the system is assembled from two or more elongate holders, the longitudinal edges of which can be attached to each other. The longitudinal edges can preferably be attached releasably to each other on at least one side of the holder. In such an embodiment it may be the case that the holder is attached pivotally to the other holder on another side. This makes it possible to release and pivot the holder open on one side so that the inner side of the holders becomes more readily accessible, for instance for assembly or maintenance purposes. In other embodiments a holder is however coupled releasably on both upright sides to an opposite holder.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, an attachment device is provided for attaching one or more holders for holding panel-like information elements to a post, particularly a lamppost or traffic sign post, the attachment device comprising:

• a first clamping unit which is adapted to clamp the attachment device fixedly at random position to the post;
• a second clamping unit which is adapted to clamp the attachment device fixedly at random position to a holder part of the holder.

[0028] A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of the system and/or the attachment device thereof stated herein.

[0029] Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will be elucidated on the basis of the following description of several preferred embodiments thereof. Reference is made in the description to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a post, particularly a lamppost, provided with an attachment system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a more detailed perspective view of the system according to the embodiment of figure 1, wherein the information elements are not arranged;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the attachment device according to the invention;

Figure 4 shows a top view of a part of the attachment device and a lying holder part of the holder of the attachment system; and

Figure 5 shows a partly cut-away top view of a part of the attachment device and the lying holder part; and

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the attachment device according to the present invention.

[0030] Figures 1-5 show an embodiment of the attachment system 1 according to the invention. The attachment system, also referred to more specifically here as the mounting system, is adapted to arrange an assembly 2 of holders 3 on a random post, such as a lamppost, a traffic sign post or the like. Information elements 10, for instance advertising panels or other forms of advertising material, can be pushed into the holders as will be explained below.

[0031] Figure 2 shows the embodiment of system 1 of figure 1 in more detail. In the shown embodiment system 1 comprises two (advertising panel) holders 3, 3' which are placed with their respective upright longitudinal edges against each other and are attached to each other. Holders 3, 3' define an inner space inside which the post can extend. In the shown embodiment each of the holders 3, 3' is embodied with a lying lower strip 8, a lying upper strip 9, a standing strip 6 and a standing strip 7. Stripes 6-9 together form a framework or frame, in the shown embodiment particularly a rectangular frame, in which the information element can be supported. It will be apparent that shapes other than the shown rectangular form are also possible, these other shapes all falling within the scope of this invention.

[0032] At the position of standing strip 7 each holder 3, 3¹ is provided with hinges 18 which make it possible to pivot holders 3, 3¹ relative to each other. Holder 3 can for instance be pivoted forward (figure 2, direction R₂) in order to open the inner space or be pivoted rearward in order to close the inner space. In other embodiments hinges are not provided and the holders are coupled releasably to each other on both upright edges.

[0033] The standing strip 6 opposite the above mentioned standing strip 7 of each of the holders 3, 3¹ is provided with a bent flange 15, 15¹. In the closed position, i.e. the situation shown in figure 2, flanges 15, 15¹ are arranged closely against each other. This makes it possible, using a locking element 16 (one or more of which can be provided), to hold the two flanges 15, 15¹ together. This ensures that holders 3, 3¹ cannot pivot relative to each other. When locking element 16 is unlocked, for instance when it is folded upward (direction R₁, figure 2) flanges 15, 15' are no longer held against each other and the holders can be pivoted apart. In another embodiment the two strips 6, 7 of each of the holders are provided with flanges 15, 15'. In this embodiment a number of locking elements 16 is arranged along the flanges of both strips 6,7. These locking elements comprise an up and downward pivotable clamping part which can be pivoted round the flanges in order to couple the holders to each other and can be pivoted away from the flanges in order to uncouple the holders from each other. A number of pin-hole connections (optionally combined with the above stated pivoting clamping parts, wherein the pin extends substantially horizontally) which ensure that the holders remain positioned relative to each other can further be provided. When the clamping parts are pivoted to the open position along the two strips 6,7, the holder is still only held in place by the pin-hole connections. The one holder can now be easily removed from the other holder.

[0034] Figure 2 shows that two lying holder parts 11, 11' and/or standing holder parts 12, 12' are arranged between two or more of the strips 6-9 of each of the holders 3, 3'. The strips and holder parts are positioned relative to each other here such that an elongate receiving space is formed in which the above stated information elements 10 can be received. In the shown embodiment the information elements, for instance advertising panels of relatively stiff form, can be pushed into receiving channels 13 provided on either side of the receiving space and be held fast therein (compare figure 1).

[0035] One of the holders is clamped fixedly to the post (S) using one or more attachment devices 20. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of such an attachment device in more detail. Figure 3 shows an attachment device 20 assembled from a first clamping unit 21, with which a clamping connection to the post (S) can be realized, and a second clamping unit 22 with which a clamping connection to one of the holders 3, 3' can be realized. The first and second clamping units 21, 22 are pivotable relative to each other via a hinge construction.

[0036] First clamping unit 21 comprises an elongate, substantially tubular support body 24. Tubular support body 24 is open at one outer end and thereby provides access for a clamping strap 28. The other outer end of tubular support body 24 is closed with a cover plate 39. A tensioning unit with which clamping strap 28 can be tensioned is arranged in support body 24. The tensioning unit comprises a bracket-like tensioning part 25 and an elongate tensioning part 31. Tensioning part 31 can take the form of a bolt provided with external screw thread. Tensioning part 31 extends through an opening in the cover plate and the external screw thread can engage on corresponding internal screw thread provided in a part 38 of tensioning part 31. By rotating the elongate tensioning part 31 the bracket-like tensioning component 25 can be moved reciprocally in a longitudinal direction (P₁, figure 3) in tubular support body 24.

[0037] Provided at the open outer end of tubular support body 24 are guide elements 29, 30 along which the above stated tensioning strap 28 can be guided. In the shown embodiment it suffices to guide tensioning strap 28 slightly more than once around the post and to then fix the strap to tensioning component 25. In the shown embodiment tensioning component 25 is substantially U-shaped. Tensioning strap 28 can be trained along end part 26 of the U-shaped tensioning component 25, after which the tensioning strap 28 can be pulled tightly around the post (S) by tensioning the tensioning component 25 via tensioning part 31.

[0038] In an embodiment of the invention the tensioning strap 28 is manufactured from a fabric of synthetic material, for instance of nylon or similar material. Such a tensioning strap 28 is very strong and can be subjected to a high tensile load. This makes it possible to clamp the attachment device to the post with great force. Tensioning strap 28 can moreover be embodied with a somewhat rough inner surface, so countering the chance of the attachment device sliding in upward or downward direction, for instance when the outer surface of the post is smooth.

[0039] The above stated second clamping unit 22 is attached to the first clamping unit via a hinge construction. The hinge construction is adapted here such that, once clamping units 21 and 22 have been placed in a correct relative position, these units can be locked so that they remain held in the relevant position. The hinge construction can be constructed from an elongate pin (bolt or screw) which is provided at the one outer end with a head and is provided at the other outer end with screw thread. A nut 47 can be coupled to pin 46. In determined embodiments the nut 47 can be tightened here such that clamping units 21,22 are no longer pivotable relative to each other. In other embodiments the nut is welded fixedly to the construction and it is pin 46 which is rotatable to enable coupling thereof to the nut. When the nut 47 and/or the pin are partially or wholly loosened, the clamping units can be pivoted relative to each other. The nut can also be wholly loosened and the pin can be removed so that the two clamping units can be released from each other.

[0040] In the shown embodiment the second clamping unit 22 comprises among other parts a bracket in which a receiving space (0, figure 3) is realized for arranging therein a lying holder part 11, 11' of their holder 3, 3'. The bracket comprises a first sidepiece 40 and a second sidepiece 41 arranged parallel thereto, wherein the two sidepieces 40, 41 are formed integrally via connecting pieces 42 and 43. Recesses 44 and 45 are provided in first and second sidepieces 40, 41. Into these recesses can be placed an elongate clamping element 50 with which the bracket can be attached fixedly to the lying holder part 11, 11'. This method of attachment is shown in more detail in figures 4 and 5.

[0041] The lying holder part 11, 11' can extend in the above stated receiving space (0) which is bounded by connecting pieces 42, 43, sidepieces 40, 41 and clamping element 50. In the shown embodiment clamping element 50 is constructed from a bolt element which is provided in known manner with a polygonal bolt head with which the bolt element can be rotated. The outer surface of the bolt element takes a substantially flat form, with the exception of a laterally protruding clamping part 52. In the shown embodiment clamping part 52 is embodied as an elongate strip which protrudes in radial direction relative to the rest of the pin of bolt element 50. Other embodiments of the bolt element can also be envisaged, for instance embodiments in which the bolt element is provided with an eccentric, i.e. a disc, which moves around a point outside the centre of the bolt element when the bolt element is rotated. Irrespective of the form and/or dimensions of clamping part 52, it is important that, when bolt head 51 of bolt element 50 rotates, the size of the bolt element varies in radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the bolt. It thus becomes possible, by rotating bolt element 50, to ensure that clamping part 52 of bolt element 50 comes to lie tightly against the inner side of the lying holder part 11, 11'. Through rotation of bolt 50 the lying holder part 11, 11' can thus be confined between protrusion 52 on the one hand and connecting pieces 42, 43 on the other. When the second clamping unit and the holder parts are now correctly dimensioned, a great clamping force can be exerted on the relevant holder part using clamping element 52. This clamping force is more than sufficient to attach the whole of the attachment device and holders coupled thereto (optionally provided with information elements) with clamping fit to the post (S).

[0042] With the shown construction it is in principle possible to secure attachment device 20 at any random position along a holder part 11, 11'. This means that the mounting system makes it possible to continuously adjust the orientation of the holders relative to the posts so that the desired position of the holders can in principle always be realized.

[0043] An obstacle could still be formed by a standing holder part 12, 12' possibly present between upper strip 9 and lower strip 8 of a holder. Figure 4 shows for instance that second clamping unit 22 cannot be attached at the position of such a standing holder part 12. Owing to the specific asymmetrical form of second clamping unit 22 it is however possible to turn clamping unit 22 over and couple it again to the first clamping unit. When the bracket (i.e. sidepieces 40, 41) of second clamping unit 22 are for instance released from first clamping unit 21, for instance by removing pin 46 from the hinge construction, it is possible to rotate the bracket through 180 degrees such that first sidepiece 40 and second sidepiece 41 come to lie on respectively the underside and the upper side. In this position the bracket can then be reconnected to first clamping unit 21 via the hinge construction. This situation is indicated with broken lines in figure 4. This increases the options for positioning first clamping unit 21 relative to second clamping unit 22, and the attachment device can in practice almost always be set to the desired position despite the presence of obstacles such as the standing holder part.

[0044] Because the attachment device in the shown embodiment need only be fixed to one of the two holders 3, 3' in order to ensure a firm coupling between the post and the holder, it is possible to pivot open the holder on which the attachment device is not mounted (for instance in direction R₂, figure 2). This provides the option of gaining easier access to the inner space between the holders. When the attachment devices are mounted on both holders, for instance in that the upper attachment device is mounted on a first holder and a lower attachment device to an opposite, other holder, the holders cannot be pivoted relative to each other and the inner space is only accessible from the upper side or the underside. Although this latter embodiment is not recommended in specific situations, it will be apparent that such embodiments, in which different attachment devices are mounted on different holders, also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 6 shows another embodiment of an attachment device according to the invention. In this embodiment a perforated clamping strap 60 is provided instead of clamping strap 28. The perforated clamping strap can be manufactured from plastic, for instance the above mentioned plastic, although in other embodiments the strip is a flexible metal sheet or strip in which a large number of perforations 62 are arranged. The metal sheet can be provided here with a plastic or rubber protective layer. This layer can reduce the chance of damage to the outer surface of the post (S) and/or of the strap sliding down along the outer surface of the post (S). Embodiments without such a protective layer are of course also possible.

[0046] Tensioning component 64 is provided in this embodiment with a number of hooks 66 which can be arranged in corresponding perforations 62 of clamping strap 60. In wholly similar manner as described above, clamping strap 60 can be clamped firmly against the post (S) by displacing the tensioning component 64 so that the attachment device is fixed on the post.

[0047] In the embodiment shown in the figures the mounting system 1 is made up of two holders which can be arranged around a post. In other, not expressly shown embodiments use can be made of only a single holder, or there are three or more holders. It is however possible in all these embodiments to create a good and simple connection to the post with the attachment device as described herein.

[0048] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments thereof described herein, the rights sought rather being defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many adaptations and modifications can be envisaged.

Claims

1. System for attaching one or more panel-like information elements to a post, particularly a lamppost or traffic sign post, the system comprising:

- a number of standing holders which are embodied to enable the panel-like information elements to be arranged therein and which are provided with one or more holder parts, wherein the holders can be mutually attached such that they can enclose the post;

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

- a first clamping unit adapted to fixedly clamp the attachment device at random position to the post; characterized by

- a second clamping unit adapted to fixedly clamp the attachment device at random position to the holder part of the holder.

2. System as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second clamping unit is adapted to fix the attachment device at a substantially random, continuously adjustable position along the associated holder part, in particular a lying holder part.

3. System as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the second clamping unit comprises:

- a bracket with receiving space for receiving a holder part therein;

- a clamping element to be placed in the bracket for confining the holder part in the receiving space.

4. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the second clamping unit comprises:

- a bracket with receiving space for receiving a holder part therein;

- a clamping element which is to be placed in the bracket and which is displaceable between a position which substantially allows movement of the holder part in the receiving space and in which the bracket is slidable along the holder part, and a position clamping the holder part substantially fixedly in the receiving space.

5. System as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the clamping element is formed by a bolt provided with a radial protrusion and/or wherein the clamping element is formed by an eccentric.

6. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the first and second clamping units are embodied pivotally relative to each other and wherein the clamping units are adapted to be fixed in a desired relative pivot position.

7. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the first clamping unit comprises:

- a support body provided with a guide element along which a flexible clamping strap can be guided and with a tensioning unit with which the clamping strap can be tensioned for thereby fixedly clamping the support body to the post, wherein the support body comprises a tubular element inside which the tensioning unit is arranged for reciprocal displacement.

8. System as claimed in claim 7, wherein the clamping strap is manufactured from plastic, in particular a synthetic fabric, more particularly a nylon fabric, or wherein the clamping strap comprises a perforated metal or plastic strap.

9. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein a holder comprises a frame comprising receiving channels, wherein one or more information elements are slidable in the receiving channels, and/or wherein a holder comprises a number of strips which form a frame in which the information elements can be received and wherein one or more standing and/or lying holder parts are arranged between the strips and/or wherein the holders have a curved form such that in mounted position they substantially enclose the post.

10. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims assembled from two or more elongate holders, the longitudinal edges of which can be attached to each other.

11. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims,
wherein the one or more attachment devices are mounted on a single holder.

12. Device for attaching one or more holders for holding panel-like information elements to a post, particularly a lamppost or traffic sign post, the attachment device comprising:

- a first clamping unit which is adapted to clamp the attachment device fixedly at random position to the post;
characterized by

- a second clamping unit which is adapted to clamp the attachment device fixedly at random position to a holder part of the holder.

13. Device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the device is an attachment device as defined in any of the claims 1-11.

14. Attachment device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the first and second clamping units are embodied pivotally relative to each other and wherein the clamping units are adapted to be fixed in a desired relative pivot position.

15. Use of a system and/or device as claimed in at least one of the foregoing claims.

Drawing