WO2016160045A1

WO2016160045A1 - Apparatus for advertising

Info

Publication number: WO2016160045A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/034642
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Michael SITTON
Original assignee: I-Can Advertise LLC
Current assignee: I-Can Advertise LLC
Priority date: 2015-03-30
Filing date: 2015-06-08
Publication date: 2016-10-06
Anticipated expiration: 2017-09-30
Also published as: EP3278327A4; EP3278327A1

Abstract

An advertising display structure in the shape of a beverage can is mounted above ground on a monopole, lattice tower, or other support structure. The advertising preferably surrounds the body of the can-shaped display. The present invention provides an apparatus for advertising which satisfies the needs discussed above. In one aspect, there is provided an apparatus for advertising comprising an advertising display structure and a support structure which supports the advertising display structure at a raised elevation above ground.

Description

APPARATUS FOR ADVERTISING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to billboards, marquees, and other apparatuses for displaying advertising.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A continuing need exists for advertising vehicles which (a) are new, out of the ordinary, memorable, and interesting, (b) are effective for attracting and gaining the intention of the public, and (c) are also effective for delivering the advertiser's identity and message to the intended audience or customers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus for advertising which satisfies the needs discussed above.

In one aspect, there is provided an apparatus for advertising comprising an advertising display structure and a support structure which supports the advertising display structure at a raised elevation above ground. The advertising display structure has a beverage can shape which includes a longitudinally extending cylindrical body portion adapted for displaying advertising.

Further aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon examining the accompanying drawings and upon reading the following Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment 2 of the advertising apparatus provided by the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an elevational view of the inventive advertising apparatus 2.

Fig. 3 is a partially cutaway elevational view of the inventive advertising apparatus 2 showing the use of a motor 46 for rotating the advertising display.

Fig. 4 is an elevational view of the inventive advertising apparatus 2 having an advertising banner 35 removably displayed thereon.

Fig. 5 is as alternative embodiment of the inventive advertising apparatus which includes an electronic display 36.

Fig. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the inventive advertising apparatus wherein the support structure for the apparatus is a lattice tower 38. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment 2 of the advertising apparatus provided by the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 1 -4. The inventive advertising apparatus 2 comprises an advertising display structure 4 and a support structure 6 which supports the display structure 4 at a raised elevation above the ground.

The advertising display structure 4 has a shape 5 which is in the form of a can used for holding a soft drink or other beverage. The beverage can shape 5 of the display structure 4 comprises: a longitudinal axis 8; a longitudinal cylindrical body portion 10 which surrounds the longitudinal axis 8; a short upper end portion 12 which decreases in diameter as it extends upwardly from the upper longitudinal end of the cylindrical body portion 10; a short lower end portion 14 which decreases in diameter as it extends downwardly from the lower longitudinal end of the cylindrical body portion 10; and a circular top plate 16 on the upper longitudinal end of the upper end portion 12.

As used herein and in the claims, regardless of whether the advertising display structure 4 is oriented vertically, horizontally, or at any other angle, references to the height and the upper and lower ends or end portions of the beverage can shape 5 of the structure 4 connote what are normally recognized as the height and the upper and lower ends of a beverage can. In other words, the upper end of the can would be the end from which a user would drink and the lower end of the can be the end which the user would place in a cup holder during use.

The outside diameter 18 of the cylindrical body portion 10 of the beverage can shape 5 is preferably in the range of from 45% to 60% (more preferably from 48% to 58%o, more preferably from 50%> to 56%, and most preferably from 51 % to 55%) of the longitudinal height 20 of the can shape 5. It will be understood, however, that other common can shapes having lower or higher width to height ratios can also be used.

The longitudinal height 22 of the short upper end portion 12 of the beverage can shape 5 is preferably in the range of from 5%> to 15% (more preferably from 6%> to 14% and most preferably from 7% to 13%) of the total longitudinal height 20 of the can 5. The upper end portion 12 is also preferably rounded to some degree, particularly at the lower end thereof, as illustrated in Figs. 1 -4, to resemble the shape of the upper end of a beverage can. In addition, the diameter 24 of the top plate 16 on the upper longitudinal end of the can shape 5 is preferably from 82%₀ to 90% (more preferably from 83%) to 89%o) of the diameter 18 of the cylindrical body portion 10 of the can shape 5 so that, as viewed from the side of the can shape 5, the outer edge 26 of the top plate 16 has the appearance of a typical top ring on a beverage can which surrounds a pull tab or other opening.

The longitudinal height 28 of the short lower end portion 14 of the beverage can shape 5 is preferably in the range of from 4% to 8% (more preferably from 4.5% to 7.5% and most preferably from 5% to 7%) of the total longitudinal height 20 of the can 5. In addition, the diameter 30 of the lower end 32 of the can shape 5 is preferably in the range of from 69% to 75%o (more preferably from 70% to 74%) of the diameter 18 of the cylindrical body portion 10.

The longitudinally extending cylindrical body portion 10 of the beverage can shape 5 is adapted for displaying advertising. As used herein and in the claims, the term advertising includes any text, images, or other materials used for promoting, announcing, notifying the public of, or providing information regarding any product, service, event, need, opportunity, brand, person, group, business, organization, institution, public issue, public concern, or other matter.

The longitudinally extending cylindrical body portion 10 of the can-shaped advertising display structure 4 is preferably adapted for displaying the advertising around at least most of the longitudinally extending cylindrical body portion 10. The cylindrical body portion 10 of the beverage can shape 5 is more preferably adapted for displaying the advertising in a surrounding angle around the cylindrical body portion 10 of at least 300°. The cylindrical body portion 10 of the beverage can shape 5 is most preferably adapted for displaying the advertising in a surrounding angle around the cylindrical body portion 10 of 360°.

The cylindrical body portion 10 of the beverage can shape 5 can be adapted for displaying the advertising in any manner desired. For example, as illustrated in Figs. 1-4, the cylindrical body portion 10 can have a cylindrical exterior surface 34 on, and at least partially around which, a billboard type sheet, banner, or poster 35 is placed and removably attached. Alternatively, the advertising can be provided or formed in the outer surface 34 itself so that (a) the advertising is of a permanent nature or (b) the outer surface 34 of at least a portion of the cylindrical body 10 will be replaceable for changing the advertisement.

As yet another alternative which can be used instead of or in addition to any of the forgoing, the cylindrical body portion 10 of the beverage can shape 5 can comprise a digital or other type of electronic billboard display 36 as illustrated in Fig. 5 which is at least semi-circular and which extends around at least most of the cylindrical body portion 10. More preferably, the electronic billboard display 36 is circular and extends around the cylindrical body portion 10 of the beverage can shape 5 in a surrounding angle of 360°.

The support structure 6 for the can-shaped advertising display 4 can be a structure of any configuration, shape, and size which will support the can-shaped display 4 at a desired raised elevation above the ground. It will also be understood that the support structure 6 can support the can-shaped display 4 in a vertical orientation, a horizontal orientation, or at any other desired angle. In addition, the support structure 6 can be a stand-alone structure or can be a dual or multi-purpose tower or other structure which also supports other items and/or is also simultaneously used for other purposes (e.g., a cell tower which is also used for telephone communications). Further, the can-shaped advertising display 4 can be mounted on the top or on an end of the support structure 6 or can be mounted such that a portion of the support structure 6 extends into the display structure 4.

As an example of one type of structure, the support structure 6 can be a vertical lattice tower 38 as illustrated in Fig. 6. The vertical lattice tower 38 can have a substantially linear tower shape (i.e., a substantially constant cross-sectional shape and area from bottom to top) or can have an angular tower shape, as illustrated in Fig. 6, which is at least somewhat wider at the bottom than at the top.

An example of another type of support structure 6, illustrated in Figs.1-5, is a vertical monopole structure 40. The pole portion 42 of the monopole structure 40 can have a substantially constant diameter from bottom to top. Alternatively, the monopole 42 can have a variable diameter such that, for example, the pole 42 has a larger diameter at the bottom than at the top. The pole 42 can extend directly into the ground for anchoring or can include a base plate 44 or other structure at the bottom of the pole 42 which can be placed on or near the ground surface and will preferably be secured to an underground pier or other stable foundational structure.

The can-shaped display 4 can be mounted on the support structure 6 in fixed, stationary position. Alternatively, the can-shaped display 4 can be rotatably mounted on the support structure 6. By way of example but not by way of limitation, if the can- shaped display 4 is rotatably mounted, an electric motor 46 can be installed in the support structure 6 or elsewhere for directly turning the can-shaped display structure 4 or for turning the can-shaped display structure 4 using gear, belt, or other drive linkages. Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within this invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for advertising comprising an advertising display structure and a support structure which supports the advertising display structure at a raised elevation above ground, wherein the advertising display structure has a beverage can shape which includes a longitudinally extending cylindrical body portion adapted for displaying advertising.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the beverage can shape of the advertising display structure further comprises an upper portion which decreases in diameter as it extends from an upper longitudinal end of the cylindrical body portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the beverage can shape of the advertising display structure further comprises a lower portion which decreases in diameter as it extends from a lower longitudinal end of the cylindrical body portion.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the beverage can shape of the advertising display structure further comprises a circular plate on an upper longitudinal end of the upper portion, the circular plate having a diameter which is less than the outside diameter of the cylindrical body portion of the beverage can shape.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical body portion of the beverage can shape is adapted for displaying the advertising in a surrounding angle around the cylindrical body portion of at least 300°.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical body portion of the beverage can shape is adapted for displaying the advertising in a surrounding angle around the cylindrical body portion of 360°.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical body portion of the beverage can shape is adapted for displaying the advertising by comprising a cylindrical exterior surface on which an advertisement is placed.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical body portion of the beverage can shape is adapted for displaying the advertising by comprising an electronic billboard display which is at least semi-circular and which extends around at least most of the cylindrical body portion.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the electronic billboard display is circular and the electronic billboard display extends around the cylindrical body portion of the beverage can shape in a surrounding angle around the cylindrical body portion of 360°.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the advertising display structure is rotatably mounted on the support structure.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the advertising display structure is vertically mounted on the support structure.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support structure comprises a vertical monopole structure on which the advertising display structure is mounted.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support structure comprises a vertical lattice tower structure on which the advertising display structure is mounted.