CN111344773A

CN111344773A - Adjustable bracket assembly for tensioning a banner/banner mounted on a pole and method of forming the same

Info

Publication number: CN111344773A
Application number: CN201880074430.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 卡尔文·R·彼得斯
Original assignee: Xipi Global Co ltd
Current assignee: Xipi Global Co ltd
Priority date: 2017-11-16
Filing date: 2018-11-13
Publication date: 2020-06-26
Also published as: AU2018369598A1; EP3707697A2; EP3707697A4; CL2020001260A1; IL274670A; WO2019099369A3; KR20200087232A; MX2020005069A; JP2021503619A; SG11202004435QA; BR112020009612A2; BR112020009612B1; AU2018369598B2; IL274670B; WO2019099369A2; CA3082887A1

Abstract

An apparatus and associated method comprising: a base attached to an upright structure (such as a light pole); a mounting bracket releasably engaging the base while supporting a suspended banner; and a mounting adapter releasably retaining the mounting bracket and the banner until the mounting bracket is attached to the base. Removing the adapter facilitates disengaging the mounting bracket and the banner from the base. The mounting bracket and the mounting adapter (and removal adapter) are attached to a pole and engaged (and disengaged) remotely and without the use of separate fasteners, thereby allowing a worker to mount a banner aloft on the upright structure (or remove the banner) while standing on the ground. The base and the mounting bracket have a wedgingly engaged conical shape secured by a spring biased friction retainer. The mounting adapter and the removal adapter have structures to facilitate mounting and removing the mounting bracket from the base.

Description

Adjustable bracket assembly for tensioning a banner/banner mounted on a pole and method of forming the same

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a banner suspension apparatus, and more particularly to an adjustable bracket for use with a banner to provide tension between the ends of the banner as it is suspended from a rod.

Background

The present invention relates to a banner and banner hanging apparatus and method, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for hanging a season banner/banner that allows an installer/detacher to stand on the ground while installing/detaching the banner from a mounting bracket.

Many entities suspend banners and banners (hereinafter referred to collectively as "banners") from poles, buildings, and other upright structures. Reasons vary and range from improving the appearance of city streets to advertising, promoting team products and events, celebrating festivals and special events. Known systems for suspending a banner and banner require the installer/detacher to be at the height of the banner/banner in order to attach (or detach) the banner/banner to the mounting bracket. See, for example, fig. 43 which illustrates one approach of the prior art. In addition, ladders and other devices may be used.

However, known prior art methods and apparatus are less efficient than desired, require considerable human and capital equipment, and require efforts to ensure their safety and limit liability during installation/removal. Additionally, known prior art methods and apparatus often unacceptably require interruption of traffic flow during installation/removal. For example, the method illustrated in fig. 43 lifts workers aloft by a general lift truck with personnel baskets, but is relatively costly (because a lift truck or other expensive capital equipment is required), less safe than desired (because workers are lifted above the ground and may be very close to the high voltage), cumbersome (because connections typically require separate bolts/harness straps// or/fasteners), labor intensive, and requires temporarily enclosing or closing adjacent areas (so that pedestrians and/or vehicles do not pass under the workers) and/or sheltering parking meters/parking spaces and/or paying fees prior to banner installation, thereby significantly increasing overhead. It is desirable to provide economical/improved improvements in cost, capital investment, installation and removal efficiency, and safety. Additionally, improvements are desired that potentially eliminate the need for traffic engineering services when working on roads to the right of the roadway to install or remove banners/flags.

Drawings

The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 1 is a front view showing an apparatus embodying the present invention, including a base, a mounting bracket and a mounting adapter, this view showing a light pole with two pre-attached spaced apart bases, a worker holding a telescopically extending pole (the mounting adapter at its top end), with the mounting adapter holding the two mounting brackets and the banner while being lifted to a position near the top of the light pole to mount to the base.

Fig. 2-3 are front views similar to fig. 1, but fig. 2 shows the top mounting bracket attached to the top chassis (with the mounting adapter and second bracket/banner slightly lowered), and fig. 3 shows both the top and bottom mounting brackets attached to the respective chassis on the pole (with the pole and mounting adapter fully pulled apart).

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the base, mounting bracket and mounting adapter of fig. 1, and includes wires showing the interengagement of the components.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the top similar to FIG. 1, but showing the banner and top/bottom mounting brackets with top/bottom bars and showing the path of assembly of the top/bottom mounting brackets to the corresponding mounts on the pole (with the top attached first).

Fig. 6-8 are perspective views of the base, mounting bracket and mounting adapter of fig. 4, respectively, which in combination eliminate the need for separate loose fasteners and allow installation to be accomplished from a remote (ground) location.

Fig. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket taken along line IX-IX in fig. 7, the spring-biased retainer shown in the locked position.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 9A, but showing the adapter removed with the fingers holding the spring-biased retainers on the mounting bracket in a released position.

Fig. 9C, 9D, and 9E are additional perspective views of the mounting bracket from fig. 7, showing the relationship of the mounting bracket, the retainer, the biasing spring of the retainer, one of the web carrying bars (see fig. 5), the web sheet retaining clip, and various other components.

Fig. 10-11 are side and front views of a telescopically extendable rod with a mounting adapter at its top end, similar to that shown in fig. 1.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a removal adapter (see also FIG. 9B) engaged with the mounting bracket, the removal adapter engaging an arm of a spring-biased retainer on the mounting bracket to release the retainer, thereby facilitating removal of the mounting bracket from a given base, eliminating the need for separate loose fasteners and allowing removal to be completed from a remote location.

Fig. 13 is a side view of a modified apparatus including a pole, two downwardly facing spaced apart mounting adapters (see fig. 10) and two upwardly facing spaced apart removal adapters (see fig. 12).

Fig. 14-16 are front views of the use of the pole tool with the mounting adapter of fig. 13, showing the sequential removal of the banner/mounting bracket from the base on the light pole.

Fig. 17 is a partial front view similar to fig. 3, but showing a banner held by a modified attachment system comprising two modified mounts and two modified mounting brackets.

Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of fig. 17 showing the banner carrier mounting bracket exploded from a pair of bases mounted on a light pole.

Fig. 19-23 are front, top, side, bottom and back views of the base of fig. 18.

Fig. 24-28 are front, top, side, bottom and rear views of the mounting bracket of fig. 18.

Fig. 29-32 are side views showing the mounting bracket being mounted to a mating base (see fig. 17-18), and fig. 32 shows the mounting bracket locked in a top-locked position on the base.

FIG. 33 is a side view similar to FIG. 32 but showing the mounting bracket being adjustable to a lower locked position on the base during installation.

Fig. 34 is a horizontal cross-sectional view through fig. 32 (or fig. 33) showing the relationship of the mounting bracket to the base, including the sliding engagement of the mating flanges.

Fig. 35 is a perspective view of a rod attachment tool including two downward facing installer adapters on the left and two upward facing removal adapters on the right.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing a mounting bracket releasably retained in the installer adapter of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing the mounting bracket retained in the detacher adapter with the leaf spring prongs on the detacher adapter engaging the spring biased retainers on the mounting bracket to hold the retainers in their release positions, and with the bullet-type alignment prongs centering the detacher adapter on the mounting bracket.

Fig. 38-40 are views similar to fig. 1-3, but showing the modified attachment system of fig. 17-18, 35, fig. 38 showing a pre-installation position, fig. 39 showing the top mounting bracket installed on the pole attachment base but showing the bottom mounting bracket still attached to the installer adaptor on the pole tool, and fig. 40 showing the fully attached banner with the top and bottom mounting brackets attached to spaced apart bases on the light pole.

Fig. 41-42 are views similar to fig. 15-16, but showing the modified system of fig. 17-18, 35, fig. 41 showing the bottom mounting bracket released and on the pole tool but the top mounting bracket still attached to the top base on the light pole, and fig. 42 showing the banner completely unattached, with the top and bottom mounting brackets carried by spaced apart detacher adapters on the pole tool.

Fig. 43 is a front view showing a related art mounting method.

FIG. 44 is a front exploded view showing the upper adjustable bracket assembly.

Fig. 44A is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a web retention clip engaged on a web and a web-carrying bar according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 45 is a rear exploded view of the upper adjustable bracket assembly of FIG. 44.

Fig. 46 is a side cross-sectional view of the upper bracket seen in fig. 44 and 45.

Fig. 47 is an exploded front view showing the lower adjustable mounting assembly for tensioning the banner/banner mounted on the pole.

FIG. 48 is a rear exploded view of the lower adjustable bracket assembly shown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is a side cross-sectional view of the lower adjustable bracket.

FIG. 50 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the ratchet head engaging the ratchet surface.

FIG. 51 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the ratchet head disengaged from the ratchet surface.

Fig. 52 is a front view of an upper bracket and a lower adjustable bracket supporting a banner.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for suspending a banner from an upright structure comprises: a base configured for attachment to the upright structure; a mounting bracket configured to releasably engage the base while supporting the banner; and a mounting adapter configured to releasably carry the mounting bracket but to release when the mounting bracket is secured to the base.

In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for removing a banner suspended from an upright structure comprises: a base configured for attachment to the upright structure; a mounting bracket engaging the base and supporting the banner; and a removal adapter configured to engage the mounting bracket and release the mounting bracket from the base. The base, the mounting bracket, and the removal adapter are configured to engage and disengage without the use of separate discrete fasteners.

In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus comprises: an upright structure; and a pair of mounts attached to the upright structure; a banner assembly comprising a banner and a pair of mounting brackets configured to releasably engage the base when the banner is supported in a suspended position; and a mounting tool comprising a pole and at least one mounting adapter attached at a top of the pole, the at least one mounting adapter configured to releasably retain the mounting bracket but then release when the mounting bracket becomes secured to the base.

In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for suspending a banner from an upright structure comprises: a base having a first flange for receiving a strap retainer to attach the base to the upright structure and having a second flange defining a bracket receiving cavity; a mounting bracket having a mating portion shaped to wedgingly fit into the bracket receiving cavity and having a friction generating retainer for retaining the mounting bracket to the base, the mounting bracket further having a bar support structure for supporting a banner carrier bar; and a mounting adapter configured to retain the mounting bracket during mounting into the bracket-receiving cavity and configured to then release the mounting bracket.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for suspending a banner from an upright structure comprises: providing a base configured for attachment to the upright structure; providing a mounting bracket configured to releasably engage the base while supporting the banner; providing a mounting adapter configured to releasably retain the mounting bracket and then release when the mounting bracket is secured to the base; attaching the mounting bracket to a mounting adapter and then using the mounting adapter to mount the mounting bracket to the base without using separate fasteners; and disengaging the mounting adapter from the mounting bracket.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for mounting a banner suspended from an upright structure comprises: providing a base and a banner-carrying mounting bracket adapted to engage the base; and engaging the mounting bracket with a mounting adapter mounted on a pole and then causing the mounting bracket to engage the base without the use of separate loose fasteners, wherein the mounting adapter releases the mounting bracket after the mounting bracket is attached to the base.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for removing a banner suspended from an upright structure comprises: providing a base and a banner-carrying mounting bracket attached to the base; and engaging the mounting bracket and causing the mounting bracket to disengage from the base using a rod-mounted removal adapter without using separate loose fasteners.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for suspending a banner from an upright structure comprises: providing a base configured for attachment to the upright structure; providing a mounting bracket configured to releasably engage the base while supporting the banner; providing a mounting adapter configured to releasably retain the mounting bracket and then release when the mounting bracket is secured to the base; and attaching the mounting bracket to a mounting adapter and then using the mounting adapter to mount the mounting bracket to the base, and then disengaging the mounting adapter from the mounting bracket, doing so remotely and without using separate fasteners.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for removing a banner suspended from an upright structure comprises: providing a base configured for attachment to the upright structure; providing a mounting bracket configured to releasably engage the base while supporting the banner; providing a removal adapter configured to engage the mounting bracket and release the mounting bracket from the base; and using the removal adapter to first engage the mounting bracket and then further using the removal adapter to cause the mounting bracket to disengage from the base, doing so remotely and without the use of separate fasteners.

In another aspect of the invention, a method comprises: attaching at least one base to the upright structure; providing a banner assembly comprising a flexible banner and at least one mounting bracket; providing an installation tool comprising a pole and at least one installation adapter attached at the top of the pole; using the mounting tool to releasably engage the at least one mounting bracket while supporting the flexible banner in a suspended position; and thereafter releasing the mounting tool from the at least one mounting bracket when the mounting bracket becomes secured to the base.

In another aspect of the invention, a method comprises: providing a base having a first flange for receiving a retainer fastener for attachment to an upright structure and a second flange defining a tapered cavity; providing a mounting bracket having a mating tapered portion shaped to wedgingly fit into the tapered cavity and having a friction generating retainer for retaining the mounting bracket to the base, and further having a horizontal bar support structure for supporting a banner on a bar engaging the bar support structure; providing a mounting adapter configured to hold the mounting bracket and then release the mounting bracket when the mating tapered portion fits into the tapered cavity; manipulating the mounting bracket using the mounting adapter to wedgingly fit the mounting bracket into the tapered cavity; and further manipulating the mounting adapter to disengage the mounting adapter from the mounting bracket.

In yet another aspect of the invention, an adjustable bracket assembly for tensioning a banner mounted on a pole on an upright structure. The adjustable bracket assembly includes: a base configured for attachment to the upright structure; and a mounting bracket configured to releasably engage the chassis while supporting the banner. The mount includes a ratchet surface releasably engaged with a head located within the mounting bracket to enable vertical adjustment of the mounting bracket to provide tension on the web.

In another aspect of the invention, a bracket assembly for use with a banner suspended from an upright structure comprises: a base having a ratchet surface, the base configured for attachment to the upright structure; and a mounting bracket engaging the base and supporting the banner. The mounting bracket includes a head for engaging the ratchet surface on the base to adjust the vertical position of the web, so that the suspension tension of the web can be easily adjusted.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a banner mounting assembly comprises: a first chassis fixedly attached to an upright structure, wherein a first mounting bracket is attached to the first chassis to hold an upper end of a banner; and a second chassis secured to the upright structure, wherein a second mounting bracket is attached to the second chassis and configured to releasably engage the second chassis while supporting a lower end of the banner. The second mount includes a ratchet surface slidably engaged with a head in the second mounting bracket to enable vertical adjustment of the second mounting bracket relative to the first mounting bracket to provide adjustable tension on the banner.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for forming an adjustable bracket assembly for use with a suspended banner is taught, the method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of mounts configured for attachment to an upright structure; providing a plurality of mounting brackets, wherein each mounting bracket is attached to one of the plurality of mounts; and forming an adjustable bracket assembly by configuring at least one of the plurality of feet such that it includes a ratchet surface releasably engaged with a head located within a mounting bracket to enable slidable adjustment of the mounting bracket on the at least one foot.

Finally, another aspect of the invention includes a web tensioning assembly comprising a retention clip having a slot-shaped gap; and wherein the retention clip is fastened to the web support bar to limit movement of the web on the support bar. The assembly further includes the use of a slip limiting surface attached to a portion of the web support bar to limit movement of the retention clip.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

Detailed Description

Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to apparatus and processes for installing, removing, and replacing banners. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further restriction, an element preceded by "comprising … … a" does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

The present apparatus 30 (also referred to herein as an "attachment system", fig. 1-4) includes a base 31, a mounting bracket 32, a mounting adapter 33 (fig. 4, 8), and further includes a removal adapter 34 (fig. 12-13). These components combine and cooperate to allow a worker to stand on the ground to mount banner 40 overhead. Fig. 1-3 show a pair of bases 31 on a light pole, but it is envisaged that the bases may be supported on any upright structure. Further, as used herein, the term "banner" is intended to encompass banners, aesthetically pleasing decorative sheets/banners/fabrics, and/or other flexible sheets having indicia (such as pictures, designs, information, or words/text/indicia) thereon. More specifically, the present apparatus 30 includes a pair of spaced mounts 31 attached to an upright structure 36, such as a light pole or building. The illustrated straps 37 attach the two bases 31 to the light pole, but it is contemplated that the bases may be attached by any desired fastener, such as screws, bolts, tie wraps, hooks, brackets, nails, adhesives, bindings, and the like. The manually gripped telescopic extension bar 38 comprises a top end with a transverse bar 39, wherein two spaced apart mounting adapters 33 extend downwardly from the transverse bar 39. The banner 40 comprises a flexible sheet 41 with indicia 42 thereon and upper and lower

horizontal bars

43, 44 which support the banner 40 when mounted. A mounting bracket 32 is attached to the inboard end of each

bar

43, 44 and if desired, a clamp or cable tie or other anti-slip means is used to prevent the web 40 from pleating towards one end of the

bars

43, 44.

One method of installation proceeds as follows. The base 31 is pre-mounted in a desired spaced apart relationship on an upright support structure (e.g., a light pole or building). Two mounting brackets 32, in which bars 43, 44 are fixed, are releasably engaged on the mounting adapter 33, with the banner 40 suspended between the bars. The extendable pole 38 is extended (with the worker standing on the ground) and the mounting bracket 32 is manipulated by the worker to first lower the top mounting bracket 32 into engagement with the top base 31 (see fig. 2) and then to second lower the bottom mounting bracket 32 into engagement with the bottom base 31 (see fig. 3). Once both mounting brackets 32 are attached to the respective base 31, the banner 40 (comprising the sheet 41 and the bars 43, 44) is supported on the upright structure 36 with the banner 40 being unrolled between the

bars

43, 44 in a readable position. After installation, the extendable rod 38 with the installation adapter 33 may be removed. It should be noted that the present system does not require any separate loose fasteners, thereby allowing for remote manual installation without the need for separate hand tools or lifting trucks or ladders. The present mounting method is considered safer because the banner 40 may be hung by a worker located remotely from the banner 40 (i.e., on the ground rather than having the worker located many feet above the ground). In addition, banner 40 may be suspended without the use of separate fasteners and without all of the hassle and difficulty that may be present when attempting to manipulate fasteners in high altitudes above ground (and, typically, in conditions that experience inclement weather, such as cold, heat, wind, rain, snow, or other weather).

The base 31 (fig. 6) may be made of metal or polymeric material or other structural material and may be made by different methods, such as molding or machining. The illustrated base 31 is a polymer molded body with a first section 51 shaped to securely engage the upright structure 36 (such as a curve that matches the shape of a light pole) and an oppositely facing second section 52 shaped to securely engage the mounting bracket 32. The first section 51 also includes a pair of transverse flanges 54 on its "back side" of a width and shape to receive the straps 37 (or cable tie or steel strap) for "looping" attachment to the upright structure 36. The lateral flange 54 may also include holes or other structures for receiving attachment bolts/screws/nails/hooks/brackets to retain the base 31 to the upright structure 36, depending on the shape/configuration of the existing upright structure 36. It is contemplated that the first section 51 may be shaped and configured for providing attachment to a number of different upright structures, and for attachment by a number of different fastening designs. For example, it is contemplated that banner 40 may be attached to a building wall and myriad other structures that provide a high position while allowing optimal visibility of elevated banner 40. The second section 52 includes an upwardly tapered protrusion 55 having an edge flange 56, a retainer hole 57, and a ramp 58 at the center of its top region.

Mounting bracket 32 (fig. 7) is a polymer molded body having a mounting section 60, a boss-like banner bar engagement section 61 and a retainer section 62. The mounting section 60 includes a flange 63 defining a mating tapered cavity 64. The flange 63 of the mounting section 60 is shaped to slidingly engage the edge flange 56 on the tapered projection 55 for downward mating assembly of the mounting bracket 32 to the base 31. The banner bar engagement section 61 comprises a cylindrical protrusion 65, wherein a central hole is for receiving an end of one of the banner bars 43, 44. The cylindrical protrusion 65 may include a latching hole 66 or aperture or other feature that allows the bar 43 (or 44) to be securely anchored to the cylindrical protrusion 65. The web 40 may be secured to the

bars

43 and 44 by clamps or other means so that the web does not pleat one end of the

bars

43, 44. For example, a U-shaped clamp on a bar or a cable tie attached to a feature of the mounting bracket itself may be used.

The retainer section 62 of the mounting bracket 32 (fig. 9A) includes a hollow boss 67 having a side slot 68 and a post 69. A T-shaped spring-biased retainer 70 (also referred to herein as a "latch member") includes opposing arms 71 that extend through the slot 68 and include latch tips 72 that are shaped to engage the latch apertures 66 in the base 31. When the mounting bracket 32 is attached to the base 31, the biasing spring 73 biases the retainer 70 toward the base 31 to the locked position. The ramp 58 is shaped such that when the mounting bracket 32 is lowered onto a given seat 31, the ramp 58 slidingly engages the retainer to overcome the bias of the spring 73, thereby causing the latch tip 72 to retract far enough to slide upward and into the latch hole 66. The resulting retention force and "action" is strong and robust so that the worker can feel when a firm engagement occurs. The biasing spring 73 causes the opposing arm 71 to move into abutment with the post 69, with the abutment providing sufficient space below the arm 71 for the wedge-shaped tip of the removal adapter 34 to enter below the arm 71 to release the latch member 70 from the latch aperture 66 for removal, as discussed below (see fig. 12).

Fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view similar to fig. 9A, but showing removal of adapter 34 with fingers 82 engaged and holding retainer 70 in its disengaged/released position. Fig. 9C, 9D, and 9E are additional perspective views of the mounting bracket 32 from fig. 7, showing the mounting bracket 32, retainer 70, and retainer biasing spring 73 in relation thereto. Fig. 9C, 9D, and 9E also show the relationship of bar 44 (or 45), the bar anchor member securing the bar to mounting bracket 32, and the banner clamp holding banner 40 to bar 44 (or 45). The

banners

43 and 44 are shown as hollow metal tubes, but it is contemplated that they may also be solid or filled, and may be plastic or another material. The rod 43 (and rod 44) includes a hole and an anchor pin 90 extending through the hole in the rod 43 (and 44), wherein the anchor pin 90 also extends through a hole/slot 91 in the boss 61 of the mounting bracket 32 to securely retain the rod to the mounting bracket 32. It is contemplated that the anchor pin 90 may be a bolt or spring clamp or other attachment member that is self-secured (or frictionally engaged) into the mounting bracket 32 such that the anchor pin 90 does not inadvertently become loose. It is contemplated that the bar 44/45 may be friction fit or adhered or bonded within the mounting bracket 32. The U-shaped elastic banner holding clamp 93 snaps the banner foil 41 onto the bar 43 (or 44), thereby securing the banner foil 41 to the bar 43 (or 44). The cable tie 94 (or other anchor strip) extends through a hole 95 in the clamp 93 and through a hole or apertured flange or other feature on the mounting bracket 32 or on the base 31 (such as at location 96). Thus, the clamp 93 remains secured to the mounting bracket 32 (i.e., thereby preventing the clamp 93 from "walking" toward the outer end of the rod 43 (or rod 44), in which case it would fall off the rod 43 (or rod 44)). The web 40 includes a lower chamber that is sewn into the web to receive the rod. The outer end of the illustrated banner 40 is secured to the outer end of the rod by sewing the closed end on the banner and/or by a cap or cup member which holds the banner on the outer end of the rod.

The mounting adapter 33 (fig. 8 and 10) is a metal or polymer molded U-shaped body having downwardly extending

channels

75, 76 connected by a cross member 77. The

channels

75, 76 are shaped to matingly engage the outside of the mounting bracket 32. The leaf springs 78 extend downwardly from the ends of the channels 75, 76 (or may be positioned within the channels) and include an inwardly radiused portion 80 that extends slightly inwardly of the chamber defined between the

channels

75, 76. When the mounting bracket 32 is positioned in the mounting adapter 33, the radiused end 80 of the leaf spring 78 resiliently flexes to allow the mounting bracket 32 to be positioned in the mounting adapter 33, and then flexes to engage the bottom of the mounting bracket 32 to retain the mounting bracket 32 to the mounting adapter 33 as a unit. This allows a person holding the extendable rod 38 (fig. 10, 1-3) to manipulate the rod to position the mounting bracket 32 over the mating base 31. The mounting bracket 32 is pulled into mating engagement with the base 31 by the downward movement of the extendable rod 38. With subsequent upward movement, the mounting adapter 33 is pulled out of the mounting bracket 32, wherein the leaf spring 78 flexes to release the mounting bracket 32. It is easiest to attach the top mounting bracket first and then the bottom mounting bracket, but alternative methods may be used if desired.

Fig. 10 to 11 show an extendable rod 38 in which a transverse bar 39 supports two downwardly facing mounting adapters 33. The extendable mast 38 includes a plurality of

tubular sections

38A, 38B, 38C (or more) that can be telescopically extended or retracted as needed by a worker to accomplish the current task. The illustrated rod 38 has multiple cross-sections that do not rotate relative to each other, such as non-circular cross-sections, thus giving more control to the person installing during the installation sequence. Extendable rods 38 are well known and commercially available such that a more detailed description is not required herein to enable understanding by those skilled in the art.

The apparatus 30 also includes a removal adapter 34 (fig. 12-13) for removing the mounting bracket 32 from the base 31 from a remote location on the ground. The illustrated removal adapter 34 includes an upwardly facing U-shaped body with

fingers

82, 83 connected by a cross member 84. The

fingers

82, 83 are spaced sufficiently to fit on opposite sides of the

projections

65, 67 of the mounting bracket 32. Further, the

tips

85, 86 of the

fingers

82, 83 are tapered or wedge-shaped and angled such that the

tips

85, 86 will slide under the arm 71, causing the retainer 70 to be released from the latch hole 66 for removal. (see FIGS. 9B and 12)

Fig. 13 shows the pole-mounted tool with two downward-facing mounting adapters 33 and two upward-facing removal adapters 34 mounted on a single transverse bar 39 on the upper end of an extendable pole 38. Fig. 14-16 illustrate a method of removing a banner 40 from an upright structure 36, the method including positioning a pole 38 (fig. 14) so that a removal adapter 34 is below a lower mounting bracket 32 and pressing upwardly to release a retainer 70 and remove the lower mounting bracket 32 (see fig. 15), and then repeating the process on the upper mounting bracket 32 (fig. 16).

The present apparatus 30 allows installation of a banner 40 standing on the ground and also allows removal of the banner 40 standing on the ground at a later time. Separate discrete fasteners are not required. It should be noted that in the case of a pole tool having both an installer adapter and a removal adapter, the present apparatus allows a worker to remove an existing hanging banner 40 and then immediately install a new replacement banner 40 without having to put down his extendable pole 38, thereby saving a significant amount of time in the process. For example, the rod tool 38 illustrated in FIG. 13 allows for this.

While the present figures and description show banner 40 mounted to a light pole 36, it is specifically contemplated that the present apparatus and novel features may be used to mount banners on telephone poles, building walls, billboards, weather stands, roofs, and virtually any upright structure that supports the banner and gives good visibility. The present apparatus and novel features may be used by city, state and federal governments, as well as by teams, businesses and any other entity that wishes to hang a banner for advertising or other purposes.

Modifying

The modified attachment system/device (also referred to as a "system") (fig. 17-18) includes a base 131, a mounting bracket 132, and a pole-mounted tool 138 having a mounting adapter 133 (fig. 35, 36) and a removal adapter 134 (fig. 35, 37). These components combine and cooperate to allow a worker to stand on the ground to install the banner 140 at an altitude (such as 15 to 18 feet in the air). These components function and are interrelated similar to the components of apparatus 30 and are identified by using the same numbers but adding 100 to the identification number. This is done to reduce redundant discussion. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, it is intended that the functional discussion above also applies to the modified components described below.

The base 131 (fig. 19-23) has been modified from the base 31 described above to be thinner, lighter in weight, less costly, more robust and durable, easier to manufacture, and better overall structure, so as to be made of a polymer or composite material (reinforced or not) intended for outdoor use. The base 131 includes a curved back side (fig. 22, 23) shaped to engage a pole support, such as a lamppost, and a front side having a bracket engaging edge flange 156, a retainer tip receiving hole 157, and a ramp 158. The top and bottom transverse flanges 154 are shaped to receive a band that extends around a lamppost to clampingly secure the base 131 to a pole, such as the illustrated lamppost. The angled channels 200 form a feather-like pattern for directing water away from the bottom of the base 131. This may be important when the base 131 is in an outdoor environment, as rain, ice, and other debris may penetrate and/or freeze between the base 131 and the installed mounting bracket 132, causing problems.

Base 131 is shown having a second retainer tip receiving aperture 157A (or several such additional apertures) and a passageway from aperture 157 to aperture 157A. If the top and bottom chassis 131 are spaced apart by the correct distance, the web 140 will have the desired tension between the top web carrying bar 143 and the bottom web carrying bar 144. However, testing has shown that adjustment is desirable because the length of the web is not consistent and/or the web may "grow" or stretch in the vertical direction during use (such as the web stretches due to wind, rain, and outdoor elements). The illustrated base 131 includes a first aperture 157 and a second aperture 157A that can be selectively engaged by the retainer 170 to support the banner 140 under "best tension" conditions. It is contemplated that the top base 131 may have a single aperture 157 and the bottom base 131 may have two

apertures

157 and 157A, or both may have two (or more) apertures 157. The second hole 157A may engage with the retainer 170 in different ways. For example, the retainer 170 may engage the first aperture 157 during initial installation. The removal adaptor 134 may then be used to disengage the retainer 170 of the bottom mounting bracket 132 and move the mounting bracket 132 down to the second aperture 157A, which applies greater spacing to the bars 144, 145 and thus greater tension to the banner 140.

The mounting bracket 132 (fig. 24-28) includes a body having vertical edge flanges 200A that slidably engage the bracket engagement edge flanges 156. The illustrated mating surfaces of

flanges

156 and 200A are angled inwardly on opposite sides to form a dovetail connection, but it is contemplated that the flanges may be square edges shaped to engage a plate of a "square" channel, or may be another similarly functioning configuration. The retainer 170 is mounted in the central region and is spring biased to a locked position by a spring 173. The retainer 170 includes a shaft having a tip 172 shaped to engage the aperture 157 (or 157A) in the base 131. The retainer 170 includes a large washer-like head that can engage the arms 183 of the removal adaptor 134 (fig. 35, 37). The second hole 204 in the mounting bracket 132 is located below the retainer 170 and provides a fastener entry point where a screw or cable tie or other fastener may be placed.

The mounting is performed as follows (fig. 38 to 40). The mounts 131 are pre-mounted on the support structure in the desired spaced apart relationship (fig. 38). Two mounting brackets 132, in which bars 143, 144 are secured, are releasably engaged on mounting adapters 133 on bar tool 138 with banner 140 suspended between the bars (fig. 38). The extendable rod 138 is used to manipulate the top mounting bracket 132 into engagement with the top mount 131 (see fig. 29-31 and 39), and then the bottom mounting bracket 132 is second engaged into the bottom mount 131 (see fig. 40). Once both mounting brackets 132 are attached to respective mounts 131, the banner 140 (comprising sheet 141 and bars 143, 144) is supported on the upright structure 136 with the banner 140 deployed between the

bars

143, 144 in a readable position (fig. 40). If desired, the removal adaptor 134 may be used to move the retainer 170 to the lower aperture 157A (FIGS. 32-33). After installation, the extendable rod 138 with the installation adapter 133 may be removed. It should be noted that the present system does not require any separate loose fasteners, thereby allowing for remote manual installation without the need for separate hand tools or lift trucks or ladders, and is therefore safer, faster to install, and less frustrating than previous methods.

To remove banner 140 (fig. 41-42), a pole tool with removal adapter 134 is used to first engage lower mounting bracket 132 (fig. 41) such that by moving upward, arm 183 engages the head of retainer 170 to disengage it (i.e., "unlock it"), thereby releasing and sliding mounting bracket 132 upward off of base 131. Removal adapter 134 includes a curved leaf spring member 183 and also includes bullet-shaped projections 183A that engage the center of the mounting bracket during removal to align adapter 134 on the selected mounting bracket 132. A similar procedure is used to remove top mounting bracket 132 (fig. 42). If desired, both the removal of the first web 140 and the installation of the second web 140 can be accomplished in a single sequence without the need to set down the wand tool 138.

Fig. 44 is an exploded front view illustrating an upper bracket assembly for tensioning a banner/banner mounted on a pole in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. Similarly, FIG. 45 is a rear exploded view of the upper bracket assembly shown in FIG. 44. Fig. 46 is a side cross-sectional view of the upper bracket as seen in fig. 44 and 45.

Referring to each of fig. 44, 45 and 46, the upper bracket assembly 200A/200B includes a base 201 that is substantially rectangular in shape, with an upper end 203 configured with a dovetail taper. The base 201 is a rigid material formed with a raised guide member 205 extending longitudinally on its surface, with a first guide channel 207 and a second guide channel 209 positioned on either side of the guide member 205. The first guide channel 207 and the second guide channel 209 allow the upper mounting bracket to wrap substantially around a portion of the base 201 to hold the upper mounting bracket in a rigid position. The raised guide member 205 includes a plurality of

apertures

211, 213. Both the first aperture 211 and the second aperture 213 are drilled to mount the base 201 using screw fasteners or the like. The diameter of the upper end of the aperture or hole is larger to allow the screw head to remain below the top surface of the guide member 205. This prevents the mounting bracket 219 from being snagged as it moves over the raised guide member 205. Further, the base 201 is attached to the

legs

215, 217. The

legs

215, 217 form a concave surface 219 at the rear side of the base 201 for matching the circular profile of a light pole or other cylindrically configured upright structure. This helps to ease installation and ensures that the base 201 will remain in a fixed position that cannot be moved vertically or rotated about the pole.

The upper mounting bracket 219 is configured so as to releasably engage the base 201 while supporting the banner. The mounting bracket 219 includes a primary channel 221 that is sized and shaped for engagement with the raised guide member 205. The plurality of winged channels 223, 225 serve to guide and support the main channel 221 as it moves vertically past the raised guide member 205. The mounting fasteners 229 and their screw heads act as stops to prevent the upper mounting bracket 219 from traveling too far down the main channel 221 toward the ground. Further, the web carrying bar 231 frictionally engages within the support aperture 227 to maintain the upper end of the web in a horizontal position. As best seen in fig. 46, the banner carrier bar 231 is positioned such that it is inclined upwardly from the ground at an angle approximately in the range between zero degrees and 10 degrees. Configuring the banner carrying bar 231 to have an upward slope or incline prevents the banner from moving outward toward the open end 232 of the banner carrying bar 231 in windy conditions. The inclined bars thus enable the banner to better maintain a fixed hanging position.

To prevent the web from moving too close to the mounting bracket 219, the web-carrying bar 231 includes a web retention clip configured at a predetermined location at the mounting end of the bar (i.e., the end supported by the mounting bracket 219). A web holding clip or web retention clip 233 snaps onto both the web and the web carrying bar 231 to prevent the web from sliding outside the web rod and/or moving towards the upper mounting bracket 219.

Fig. 44A is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a web retention clip engaged on a web and a web carrying rod. Web retention clip 233 serves as a friction generating mechanism to enhance friction on the surface of the support bar. Retention clip 233 is typically made of a flexible or resiliently biased material, such as polyethylene plastic or the like. The web retention clip 233 is sized and configured to include a slit or gap 234 longitudinally within its body so that it can be easily snapped and/or pushed onto a portion of the web carrying bar 231. Because the stiffness of the clip material has a memory retention shape, it will return to its original shape after flexing or bending.

When web retention clip 233 is positioned over web 230 and web-carrying bar 231, it frictionally engages on bar 231 such that web 230 is maintained in a substantially fixed position. Thus, web retention clips 233 serve to stop and/or prevent movement of the web toward mounting bracket 219. Anti-slip material 215, such as anti-slip strips, is positioned adjacent to and external to web retention clips 233. The anti-slip material 215 is used to prevent lateral movement of the web retention clamp 233 towards the open end of the web carrying bar 231.

Further, the upper mounting bracket 219 includes a retainer 237 to retain the upper mounting bracket 219 in a substantially fixed position when the upper mounting bracket 219 is engaged with and on the base 201. The retainer 237 has a knob 238 and a threaded shaft or rod that passes through a mounting hole 239. The spring 241 and head 243 hold the retainer 227 in a compressed state to the upper mounting bracket 219. When the upper mounting bracket 219 engages the base 201 and the knob 238, a pulling force may be applied outward from the base 201, with the spring 241 providing a spring force to this movement. The pulling force operates to retract the head 243 from the aperture 211. This in turn allows the raised guide member 205 to slide and easily move up through both the main channel 221 and the winged channels 223, 225. In use, the upper mounting bracket 219 generally remains in a fixed mounting position to maintain a stationary banner position. However, the upper brace assembly 200A/200B allows the upper brace 219 to be easily removed from its base 201 by disengaging the head 243 from the aperture 211. Although the heads 243 are illustrated as being of a substantially circular configuration, one skilled in the art will recognize that any shape of shaft-like pin or head 243 may be used for optimal retention of the head 243 within the corresponding aperture 211.

Fig. 47 is an exploded front view showing the lower adjustable mounting assembly for tensioning the banner/banner mounted on the pole. FIG. 48 is a rear exploded view of the lower adjustable bracket assembly shown in FIG. 47. FIG. 49 is a side cross-sectional view of the lower adjustable bracket. As will be described herein, the lower bracket assembly 300A/300B differs from the upper bracket assembly 200A/200B in that the lower bracket assembly includes a ratchet surface 306 on its base to allow for locking and vertical movement of the lower adjustable mounting bracket in multiple positions on the base for easy adjustment of web tension. Thus, in both the upper and lower rack assemblies 200A/200B, 300A/300B, no manipulation of the head is required to lock the rack in place. However, in the lower bracket assembly 300A/300B, no manipulation of the head is required to adjust the tension of the web in view of the use of the ratchet surface. More specifically, the lower bracket assembly ratchets downward and can be easily positioned from the ground using a "J-hook" such as a fixture mounted on a telescoping pole tool (also referred to as a "pole-mounted tool"). If upward movement is desired, the tool, which is telescopically mounted on the rod, can disengage the head from the ratchet surface to move the lower bracket assembly upward toward the upper bracket assembly.

Referring to each of fig. 47, 48, and 49, the lower bracket assembly 300A/300B includes a base 301 that is substantially rectangular in shape. Its upper end 303 is configured with a dovetail tapered edge to allow an associated mounting bracket to be easily mounted thereon. The base 301 is a rigid material typically formed of plastic or metal. The base 301 comprises a raised guide member 305 extending longitudinally through its centre, wherein the first guide channel 307 and the second guide channel 309 are configured longitudinally in the base 301 at both sides of the guide member 305.

On the surface of the raised guide member 305 is a ratchet surface 306. The ratchet surface 306 includes successive engagement positions, such as a plurality of raised teeth 308 arranged in two rows with a gap therebetween. In one embodiment, each row includes seven teeth arranged vertically and also having a horizontal width or dimension. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different configurations of teeth are also possible. As best seen in fig. 49, each of the teeth 308 has a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. The upper surface has a beveled or angled surface, while the lower surface of the triangle is configured to be orthogonal to the surface of the base 301. Thus, the head 343 serves as an engagement surface, i.e., a surface similarly configured to the ratchet surface, having a shape and profile that substantially matches the shape and/or profile of the ratchet surface 306.

In use, one surface of the teeth is inclined downwardly, allowing the ratchet head 343 to move past each tooth which ratchets downwardly on its surface. Thus, any upward movement of the ratchet head 343 is prevented without the head 343 disengaging from the ratchet surface 306. The first guide channel 307 and the second guide channel 209 are configured to allow the lower mounting bracket to wrap substantially around a portion of the base 301 to hold the lower mounting bracket in a rigid position. Thus, the term "successive engagement positions" means a successive manner in which the ratchet head 343 is positioned on the surface of the ratchet surface 306, i.e. how the ratchet head 343 can engage the ratchet surface 306 in a plurality of positions to set the tension of the banner.

The raised guide member 305 further includes a plurality of stop guides 302, 304 and a plurality of

apertures

311, 313. One stop guide is positioned above each row of teeth, with the stop guides 302, 304 configured above the ratchet surface 306, requiring the ratchet head to be raised before engaging the teeth below the stop guides 302, 304. Further, both the port 311 and the second aperture 313 in the base 301 are drilled to mount the base 301 using screw fasteners or the like. The diameter of the upper end of the aperture or hole is larger to allow the screw head to remain below the top surface of the guide member 305. This prevents the mounting bracket 319 from being snagged as it moves over the raised guide member 305. Further, the base 301 is attached to the

legs

315, 317. The

legs

315, 317 form a concave surface 319 at the rear side of the base 301 for matching the circular profile of a light pole or other cylindrically configured upright structure. The

legs

315, 317 receive hoses and/or mounting clips to hold the base to an upright configuration. This helps ease installation and ensures that the base 301 will remain in a fixed position.

The lower mounting bracket 319 is configured to engage and ratchet with the chassis 301 while supporting the banner. The mounting bracket 319 includes a main channel 321 sized and shaped for engagement with the raised guide member 305 and the ratchet surface 306. The plurality of

winged channels

323, 325 serve to guide and support the main channel 321 as it moves vertically past the ratchet surface 306. The mounting fastener 329 and its screw head act as an abutment or stop by limiting the downward travel of the lower mounting bracket 319 along the main channel 321.

Further, the web carrying bar 331 frictionally engages within a bar retention hole located in the support aperture 327 to maintain the lower end of the web in a substantially horizontal position. As best seen in fig. 46, banner carrier bar 331 is positioned such that it slopes downwardly toward the ground at an opposite angle approximately in the range between zero and 10 degrees. Configuring the banner carrier bar 331 at an opposite angle (i.e., one with a downward slope or incline) to the banner carrier bar 231 allows the banner to maintain its tension during windy conditions. The downwardly inclined bars thus enable the banner to better maintain its fixed hanging position.

To prevent the web from moving too close to the mounting bracket 319, the web carrying bar 331 includes a web retention clip 333 that serves as a friction generating mechanism that can be positioned at a predetermined location at the mounting end of the bar (i.e., the end supported by the mounting bracket 319). As described herein and in fig. 44A, web retention clip 333 is made of a flexible material (such as plastic) that substantially retains its shape when flexed and bent. Web retention clip 333 is sized and configured to include a slit or gap longitudinally along the body so that it can be easily snapped and/or fastened onto both the web and web-carrying bar 331. When web retention clamp 333 is positioned on web-carrying bar 331, it maintains the web in a substantially fixed position on the bar while stopping and preventing movement of the web toward mounting bracket 319. An anti-slip material 315, such as a wear strip or the like, is positioned adjacent to and outside the web retention clip 333 and serves to prevent lateral movement of the web retention clip 333 towards the open end of the web carrying bar 231. The wear or slip resistant material 315 may be fastened to the web-carrying bar 331 with adhesive glue, tape, or may be sprayed on the web-bar.

Finally, the lower mounting bracket 319 includes a retainer 337 to retain the ratchet head 343 in a substantially fixed position when the lower mounting bracket 319 is engaged with and on the base 301. The ratchet head 343 includes a plurality of raised teeth 344 that mate with the teeth 308 on the ratchet surface 306. In one embodiment, the ratchet head 343 may include five (5) teeth. The retainer 337 has a knob 238 and a threaded shaft or rod passing through a mounting hole 339. The spring 341 and ratchet head 343 retain the retainer 327 in a compressed state to the lower mounting bracket 319. When the lower mounting bracket 319 engages the ratchet surface 306, the knob 338 may be pulled outward from the base 301 such that the spring 341 provides a resilient force. This ratchet-type motion enables easy adjustment of the vertical position of the lower mounting bracket 319 relative to the upper mounting bracket 219 when the ratchet head 343 is pulled down on the ratchet surface 306 using a J-hook or the like. In use, the lower mounting bracket 319 is easily moved from the ground using a pole. Thus, the configuration of the lower bracket assembly 300A/300B allows the lower bracket 339 to also be easily removed from its base 301 by pulling the ratchet head 343 downward past the ratchet surface 306. This enables the installer to set the desired tension on the web, since the upper portion of the web is fixed in position. Although the ratchet head 311 is shown as being of a substantially square configuration, one skilled in the art will recognize that any shape may be used that serves to optimally retain the head 311 within its corresponding aperture 311 while still serving to engage and mate with the ratchet surface 306.

Fig. 50 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of ratchet head 343 engaging ratchet surface 306. Fig. 51 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of ratchet head 343 disengaged from ratchet surface 306. As described herein, due to the triangular cross-sectional surface shape of the teeth 308, the ratchet head 343 and its contoured surface are only able to move in a downward direction toward the ground. This makes it easy for the installer to tension the banner from the ground by pulling it down after it is secured to the banner bar 232 associated with the upper mounting bracket 219.

Finally, fig. 52 is a front view of an upper adjustable bracket and a lower adjustable bracket supporting the banner. The banner assembly 400 includes an upper adjustable bracket assembly 200A/200B and a lower adjustable bracket assembly 300A/300B that are attached to support a banner 401 and both mounted to an upright structure 402. A telescopically rod-mounted tool 405 with a hook 407 may be used to easily adjust the lower adjustable bracket assembly 300A/300B from the ground. One skilled in the art will recognize that the configuration shown in FIG. 52 can be reversed such that the upper bracket assembly includes an upwardly adjusted ratchet surface and the lower bracket assembly is fixed in place. Further, yet another embodiment may include an upper bracket and a lower bracket both having ratchet surfaces so they may be vertically adjusted in opposition to each other.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a banner mounting assembly and method wherein a first base is fixedly attached to an upright structure, wherein a first mounting bracket is attached to the first base to retain an upper end of a banner. A second chassis is secured to the upright structure, wherein a second mounting bracket is attached to the second chassis and is configured to releasably engage the second chassis while supporting a lower end of the banner. The second mount forms an adjustable mounting assembly in which the ratchet surface slidably engages the ratchet head in the second mounting bracket to enable vertical adjustment of the second mounting bracket relative to the first mounting bracket to provide an adjustable tension on the banner. It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Claims

1. An adjustable bracket assembly for tensioning a banner on an upright structure, comprising:

a base configured for attachment to the upright structure;

a mounting bracket configured to releasably engage the chassis while supporting the banner; and is

Wherein the base includes a ratchet surface that releasably engages a similarly configured ratchet surface located within the mounting bracket to enable horizontal adjustment of the mounting bracket from the ground to provide tension on the banner.

2. The adjustable bracket assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a banner-carrying bar engaged within the mounting bracket to support the banner.

3. The adjustable bracket assembly of claim 2, wherein the banner-carrying bar is fastened to the mounting bracket at a predetermined angle relative to the ground.

4. The adjustable bracket assembly of claim 1, the mounting bracket further comprising a head having a profile that substantially matches a profile of the ratchet surface.

5. The adjustable bracket assembly of claim 4, wherein the profile of the ratchet surface is formed by a plurality of successive engagement positions.

6. The adjustable bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein one end of the banner is fixedly attached to the upright structure and the adjustable bracket assembly is used to vertically adjust the position of the other end of the banner.

7. The adjustable bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the vertical position of the mounting bracket can be adjusted from the ground using a pole-mounted tool.

8. A bracket assembly for use with a banner suspended from an upright structure, comprising:

a base having a first surface, wherein the base is configured for attachment to the upright structure;

a mounting bracket engaging the base and supporting the banner; and is

Wherein the mounting bracket includes a second surface for engaging the first surface on the base such that the mounting bracket is movable in a plurality of progressive positions to adjust the vertical position of the banner.

9. The rack assembly of claim 8, wherein the second surface moves vertically past the first surface on the base to position the banner to a desired position.

10. The mount assembly according to claim 8, wherein said first surface includes a profile corresponding to a substantially similar profile on said second surface.

11. The mount assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first surface is a ratchet surface.

12. The mount assembly according to claim 8, further comprising:

13. The rack assembly of claim 12, wherein the banner-carrying bar is fastened to the mounting bracket at a predetermined angle relative to the opposing mounting bracket.

14. The bracket assembly of claim 8, wherein one end of the banner is fixedly attached to the upright structure and the adjustable bracket assembly is used to vertically adjust the position of the opposite end of the banner in order to adjust its tension.

15. The mount assembly according to claim 8, wherein the mounting bracket position is adjusted from the ground using a pole-mounted tool.

16. A banner mounting assembly comprising:

a first mount fixedly attached to an upright structure, wherein a first mounting bracket is attached to the first mount to hold an end of a banner;

a second chassis secured to the upright structure, wherein a second mounting bracket is attached to the second chassis and configured to releasably engage the second chassis while supporting an opposite end of the banner; and is

Wherein the second mount includes a ratchet surface slidably engaged with a head in the second mounting bracket to enable vertical adjustment of the second mounting bracket relative to the first mounting bracket to provide adjustable tension on the banner.

17. The banner mounting assembly of claim 16, further comprising:

a first web-carrying bar engaged within the first mounting bracket and a second web-carrying bar engaged within the second mounting bracket, wherein both the first web-carrying bar and the second web-carrying bar support the web.

18. The adjustable bracket assembly of claim 16, wherein the first swath carrier bar is fastened to the first bracket at a first angle and a second swath carrier bar is fastened to the second bracket at a second opposite angle.

19. The adjustable bracket assembly of claim 16, wherein an engagement surface is a friction generating retainer, such that the engagement surface can securely remain in contact with a similarly configured ratchet surface in the second mount.

20. The adjustable bracket assembly of claim 16, wherein the second mounting bracket is adjusted from the ground using a telescopically extendable rod-mounted tool.

21. A method for tensioning a suspended banner using an adjustable bracket assembly, comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of mounts configured for attachment to an upright structure;

providing a plurality of mounting brackets, wherein each mounting bracket is attached to one of the plurality of mounts; and

an adjustable bracket assembly is formed by configuring at least one of the plurality of mounts such that it includes a ratchet surface releasably engaged with a similarly configured engagement surface located within a respective mounting bracket to enable slidable adjustment of the respective mounting bracket on the at least one of the plurality of mounts.

22. The method for tensioning a suspended banner as claimed in claim 21, further comprising the steps of:

adjusting tension of the web on the upright structure by changing a position of the adjustable bracket assembly.

23. The method for tensioning a suspended banner as claimed in claim 21, further comprising the steps of:

the adjustable bracket assembly is positioned to move an end of the banner.

24. The method for tensioning a suspended banner as claimed in claim 21, further comprising the steps of:

providing a banner carrier bar engaged within at least one of the plurality of mounting brackets to support the banner.

25. The method for tensioning a suspended banner as claimed in claim 24, further comprising the steps of:

securing the banner-carrying bar to the mounting bracket at a predetermined angle relative to the ground to limit movement of the banner.

26. A friction generating mechanism comprising:

a retention clip having a slotted gap; and is

Wherein the retention clip is fixed to both the web and the web support bar to limit movement of the web on the support bar.

27. The friction generating mechanism as recited in claim 26 further comprising:

a slip limiting surface; and is

Wherein the slip limiting surface is attached to a portion of the web support bar to limit movement of the web and the retention clip.

28. The friction generating mechanism as recited in claim 26 wherein said retention clip is made of a material that retains its original shape when deflected.

29. A friction generating mechanism as defined in claim 26 wherein said slip limiting surface is adhered to a surface of said banner support bar.

30. The friction generating mechanism as recited in claim 26 wherein said banner support bar is secured to an adjustable bracket.

31. The friction generating mechanism of claim 30 wherein said retention clip is positioned on said web and said web support bar at ground level prior to said adjustable bracket.

32. The friction generating mechanism as recited in claim 30 wherein said adjustable bracket is adjusted from ground level using an extendable pole tool.

33. A friction generating mechanism for use with a suspended banner comprising:

a banner support bar attached to a support bracket to hold the banner;

a retention clip secured to both the web and the web support bar to limit movement of the web on the web support bar; and

a slip limiting surface configured on a portion of the web support bar to limit movement of the web and the retention clip.

34. The friction generating mechanism as recited in claim 33 wherein said retention clip is configured as a tubular body.

35. The friction generating mechanism of claim 34, wherein said tubular body includes a longitudinal slot to allow said retention clip to frictionally engage a portion of said web support bar.

36. The friction generating mechanism as recited in claim 33 wherein said retention clip is made of a shape retaining plastic.

37. A friction generating mechanism as recited in claim 33 wherein said slip limiting surface is adhered to a portion of said banner support bar.

38. The friction generating mechanism as recited in claim 37 wherein said retention clip is positioned on said web and said web support bar at ground level prior to installation of said web.

39. The friction generating mechanism as recited in claim 37 wherein said support bar is constructed using an adjustable bracket.

40. The friction generating mechanism as recited in claim 39 wherein said adjustable bracket is adjusted from ground level using an extendable pole tool.

41. A method for forming a friction generating mechanism for use with a suspended banner, comprising:

constructing a retention clip having a slotted gap in a body thereof; and

the retention clip is fastened to the web and the web support bar to limit the movement of the web on the support bar.

42. The method for forming a friction generating mechanism of claim 41 further comprising the step of:

the retention clip is formed as a tubular body, wherein the slot-shaped gap extends longitudinally through a portion of the body.

43. The method for forming a web retention assembly as defined in claim 41, further comprising the steps of:

configuring a slip limiting surface to a portion of the web support bar to limit movement of the web and the retention clip.

44. The method for forming a friction generating mechanism of claim 41 further comprising the step of:

the retention clip is manufactured using a material that substantially retains its shape.

45. The method for forming a friction generating mechanism of claim 41 further comprising the step of:

adhering the slip limiting surface to a portion of the web support bar such that the slip limiting surface does not wrap completely around the surface of the web support bar.

46. The method for forming a friction generating mechanism of claim 41 further comprising the step of:

securing the banner support bar to an adjustable support; and

the position of the banner support bar is adjusted horizontally from the ground.

47. The method for forming a friction generating mechanism of claim 41 further comprising the step of:

the tension of the banner support bar is adjusted from the ground using an extendable bar tool.

48. The method for forming a friction generating mechanism of claim 41 further comprising the step of:

positioning the retention clip on the web and the web support bar at ground level prior to installing the web.