Title of Invention

SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR AN INFORMATION AND/OR ADVERTISING SURFACE

Abstract The invention relates to a support structure for an information and/or advertising surface for fitting to a mast tower of a crane, particularly a building crane. According to the invention, the support structure is characterized by a plurality of folding elements, which can be folded out for an operating state.
Full Text PCT/EP2005/003118 BLOWUP MEDIA GMBH
SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR AN INFORMATION AND/OR ADVERTISING
SURFACE
The present invention relates to a support structure for an information and/or advertising surface according to the preamble of claim 1.
Such a support structure for an information and/or advertising surface for fitting to a crane mast tower has a base frame, which is placed in displaceable or fixed manner on the mast tower. Alternatively the base frame is a mast tower part and in this area is identical to the mast tower.
Such a support structure for fitting to a mast tower of a crane, particularly a building crane is described in DE 299 15 269.3.
Such support structures are used in order to apply to a mast, e.g. a building crane mast an information and/or advertising surface.
In order to bring about maximum independence from any wind forces and the mechanical loads associated therewith, DE 299 15 269.3 proposes that an inner support rotating circumferen-tially or adjustable in the extension direction is connected to the mast. This leads to comparatively complicated and therefore expensive constructions.
An advertising means which can be fitted to a mast is also described in DE 299 10 410 Ul. Masts for advertising means are disclosed by US 5,340,065, DE 78 10 361 Ul and DE 89 11 942 Ul.
AMENDED FA

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DE 296 22 940 Ul relates to a climbing device for masts of building cranes. Telescopic masts are described in DE 41 07 344 Al and DE 697 14 696 T2. Finally, further multisection advertising means are disclosed in US 954,525 and US 1,930,018.
An inflatable envelope body for a building crane is described in WO 03/005332 A2.
The object of the present invention is to provide a support structure of the aforementioned type, which can be particularly easily transported.
This object is achieved by a support structure having the features of claim 1.
Advantageous further developments of the support structure according to the invention form the subject matter of the sub-claims .
The support structure of the aforementioned type is inventively further developed in that a plurality of pivotable folding wings is provided and pivotably articulated about vertical axes in corner areas of the base frame and which can be folded in in volume-saving manner for a transportation state and folded out for an operating state.
It is a fundamental principle of the invention that there can be size reduction of the support structure for transportation purposes using fold-in elements.
This makes it possible to obtain a very simply constructed support structure, which is consequently inexpensive to manufacture. The support structure according to the invention can also be very easily operated, because for providing the operating state it is merely necessary to fold out a plurality of folding elements.

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Finally, as a result of the folding elements it is possible to obtain a significant volume reduction and therefore a significant simplification of transportation.
According to the invention a base frame is provided and can be placed in displaceable or fixed manner on the mast tower, the folding elements being pivotably placed on the base frame. The base frame with the folding elements can then be separately transported and installed on a crane mast tower with a minimum of installation steps.
The invention primarily relates to a use in connection with building cranes. However, in principle, the support structure according to the invention can be fitted to any suitable mast.
An uncomplicated, material-saving variant is characterized in that the base frame is constructed in multipart manner with at least two end frames. Optionally one or more holding frames can be placed between the same. In particular, the holding frame and/or end frames can extend substantially horizontally. There is no need for vertical support parts, which leads to a significant material and weight saving.
A high stability is brought about if the base frame completely circumferentially surrounds the mast tower.
In this connection a particularly simple structure can be obtained if the base frame has a substantially rectangular, particularly square cross-section. The base frame can essentially have a parallelepipedic shape.
A particularly simple, space-saving folding together is made possible according to the invention because the folding elements are pivotably articulated in corner areas of the base frame. A pivotable suspension of the folding elements can be particularly simply implemented particularly on the edges of the aforementioned parallelepipedic shape.

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According to the invention, the folding elements are constructed as folding wings pivotable about vertical axes. The folding wings appropriately" have a rectangular shape in a simple frame construction. It is also possible in this connection to provide in the mast extension direction a plurality of folding wings, which can be pivoted independently of one another.
In principle, the individual folding wings of a support structure can have different shapes and dimensions. But in a particularly preferred, simple embodiment there are four identical folding wings, which are e.g. pivotably articulated to the four longitudinal edges of the parallelepipedic shape of the base frame.
Appropriately stabilizing elements are provided for stabilizing the folding elements in the operating state and/or transportation state.
In constructionally simple, weight-saving variants these are guys, particularly cable guys.
In order to bring about a plurality of operating positions for the folding elements, e.g. with a view to specific, desired geometries of the information and/or advertising surface, the guys can be given a longitudinally adjustable construction.
A stable fixing of the base frame to the mast is made possible by providing a plurality of supporting devices, particularly rolls for supporting the base frame relative to the mast tower.
A linear adjustment of the support structure can be easily implemented by a drive, particularly a hydraulic device or an electric motor. In this connection adjustment is also called climbing. In this connection it is also possible to suspend or support the support structure on the mast tower, e.g. on

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crossbars and for this purpose it is appropriate to provide a bearing frame connected to the base frame.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a support module for an information and/or advertising surface. According to the invention such a support module has a mast tower part of a crane, particularly a building crane, as well as an inventive support structure of the aforementioned type.
In principle, the support structure can be placed in displace-able or fixed manner on the tower part. An arrangement of the support structure relative to the mast displaceable in the mast extension direction, but fixed in
directions at right angles to the extension direction can be obtained with the aid of rolls or also plain bearings.
In a preferred variant the support structure can be suspended on the tower part at specific heights. The possible fixing heights can be predetermined by braces, e.g. crossbraces of the tower part. In an appropriate variant a plurality of supports, particularly wedges are provided on the tower part for supporting and/or suspending the support structure.
In a simple development the support structure is firmly connected to the tower part. It is particularly advantageous in this connection to have at least two horizontal end frames and optionally one or more intermediately positioned holding frames.
Then, for the spaced fixing of the base frame to the tower part, a plurality of brackets are provided.
The overall stability of the structure is primarily provided by the tower part, so that for the support structure per se a less complicated structure is sufficient and correspondingly costs can be saved.

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In a particularly simple development the folding elements are pivotably arranged directly on the tower part as the base frame.
To permit the construction of larger information and/or advertising surfaces, it is particularly advantageous for the support module to be constructed in such a way that it can be assembled with further identical support modules.
In order to reduce the attack surface for wind forces provided by the information and/or advertising surface, a device for folding in the folding elements can be provided. Folding in can in particular be automated if said folding in device is connected to an anemometer and a suitable control and regulating device.

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Further features and advantages of the invention are described, in greater detail hereinafter relative to the attached diagrammatic drawings, wherein show:
Fig. 1 The basic arrangement of an inventive support structure on a building crane.
Fig. 2 In a cross-sectional view a first embodiment of an inventive support module placed on a mast tower in an operating position.
Fig. 3 A cross-sectional view of the embodiment of fig. 2 in the transportation position.
Fig. 4 A cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of an' inventive support module in an operating position.
Fig. 5 In a cross-sectional view a further embodiment of an inventive support module in an operating position.
Fig. 6 In a part sectional view a further embodiment of an inventive support module.
Fig. 7 A part sectional view of the embodiment of figs. 2 and 3 .
Fig. 8 A detail view of the embodiment of fig. 7.
Fig. 9 A part sectional view of the embodiment of fig. 5.

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The arrangement of an inventive support structure 14 and an inventive support module 10 on a building crane 2 0 is diagram-mat ically shown in fig. 1.
The building crane 20 shown has as essential components a mast tower 22 built up from a plurality of tower parts 24, and a jib 23. An inventive support structure 14 with an advertising surface 11 is located mid-height of the mast tower 22.
Embodiments of the inventive support structure 14 and inventive support module 10 are described in greater detail hereinafter relative to figs. 2 to 9 and equivalent components always carry the same reference numerals.
A first embodiment of an inventive support module 10 and an inventive support structure 14 is shown in figs. 2 and 3. The support structure 14 comprises a substantially parallelepi-pedic base frame 18 surrounding a tower part 24 of a mast tower 22 of a building crane 20. The support structure 14 is displaceably mounted relative to the tower part 24, the supporting action being provided by rolls 40, which are arranged in pairs and perpendicular to one another on each of the four edges of tower part 24.
According to the invention in each case a folding wing 28 as a folding element 16 is pivotably articulated about a vertical axis 26 in corner areas 3 0 of the parallelepipedic base frame 18.
Fig. 2 shows the inventive support module 10 with the inventive support structure 14 in an operating state, in which four folding wings 28 are folded out in such a way that they are positioned substantially diagonally to base frame 18. An advertising surface 11 is located on the folding wings 28. This advertising surface 11 can e.g. be made from a flexible material, e.g. a foil or textile material. A stabilization of the folded out folding wings 2 8 is brought about in the embodiment

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ments 36. In the operating state shown in fig. 2 support structure 14 in all provides four identical advertising surfaces 11, so that it is possible to examine the advertising means from all sides.
In the transportation state shown in fig. 3 the folding wings 28 are folded in and engage closely with the base frame 18. The advertising surface 11 not shown in fig. 3 can either be removed or, if made from a flexible material, folded up and e.g. stowed in the interior of support structure 14. A comparison of figs. 2 and 3 immediately makes clear the significant reduction of volume achievable with the aid of the inventive support structure 14 and therefore with the inventive support module 10.
Two variants of a further embodiment of the invention are shown in figs. 4 and 5. The variants of figs. 4 and 5 differ from the embodiment of figs. 2 and 3 in that here the base frame 18 is connected to a tower part 24 of a building crane 20 by means of brackets 46, whereof one is shown in exemplified manner. As in the embodiment described relative to figs. 2 and 3 folding wings 28, 29, 31 are pivotably arranged about vertical axes 26 in the corner areas 30 of base frame 18. The term vertical here is understood to mean a direction which is substantially parallel to the extension direction of the mast tower 22 on which the support structure 14 is located. If the mast tower is not to be erected perpendicular to the ground plane, then said vertical direction would not be perpendicular to the ground plane.
Unlike in the embodiment of fig. 2, in figs. 4 and 5 each of the folding wings 28, 29, 31 has a different position. Folding wings 2 8 extend towards a support 19 of base frame 18 in the variants of figs. 4 and 5. However, folding wings 31 in fig. 4 are oriented along the diagonal of base frame 18. Folding wings 29 in fig. 4 differ by roughly 150 from the diagonal orientation.

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Due to this arrangement, which is once again fixed with the aid of wire guys 38 shown in broken line form in figs. 4 and 5, it is possible to bring about a trapezoidal cross-section of advertising surface 11, 13. This is advantageous for applications in which the advertising surface 11, 13 is expected to only be examined from one half-space.
The variant of fig. 4 differs from that of fig. 5 in that the folding wings 2 8 are wider than folding wings 29, whereas in fig. 5 folding wings 28 and 31 are substantially identical. A further difference is that in fig. 4 essentially three advertising surfaces 11 of the same size are formed, whereas in fig. 5 the advertising surface 13 which can be examined from the front is larger than the lateral advertising surfaces 11.
Another embodiment of an inventive support module with an inventive support structure 14 and a tower part 24 of a building crane 20 is shown in fig. 6. This variant has essentially the same construction as that of figs. 2 and 3. In fig. 6 the rectangular shape of the folding wings 2 8 pivotable about vertical axes 26 is particularly apparent. It is also possible to see the supporting of base frame 18 on tower part 24 of mast 22 with the aid of a plurality of rolls 40. It is finally possible to see the construction of the base frame 18 from horizontal end frames 34 and holding frames 32. A bearing frame 42 with a bearing 43 is provided for supporting the weight of support structure 14. The bearing frame 42 is laterally fixed by a plurality of rolls 40 relative to mast tower 22. Bearing 43 engages in mast tower 22 and is supported on a not shown crossbar of tower part 24.
A further variant of the suspension of support structure 14 on a tower part 24 of a mast 22 is illustrated by figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 7 shows a detail of the embodiment of figs. 2 and 3 in a longitudinal sectional view. The construction is essentially the same as in fig. 6, but the bearing 43, unlike in the variant of fig. 6, is supported on supports 44 fitted to tower part 24. These supports 44 can also be called wedges 44, the

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latter being shown in detail in fig. 8. These wedges have on both their top and bottom a groove 45 in which bearing 43 engages. On adjacent vertical braces of tower part 24 appropriately wedges 44 are located in each case at identical heights, so that the bearing 43 can in each case be supported on at least two wedges 44.
A longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment of figs. 4 and 5 is diagrammatically illustrated in fig. 10. As has been explained in conjunction with figs. 4 and 5, in this variant support structure 14 is firmly connected to the mast tower 24, e.g. by screwing or welding by means of brackets 46. In the variant shown base frame 18 of support structure 14 comprises end frames 34 arranged horizontally at right angles to the extension direction of tower part 24.
The folding wings 28 are not shown in fig. 9. By means of connecting elements 48 identically constructed tower parts 24 can be interconnected, preferably using suitable screw couplings.
The invention has made available a novel support structure and a novel support module for an information and/or advertising surface, with which excellent transportability can be brought about in a particularly simple, cost-effective manner. Moreover, the inventive support structure and support module can be constructed particularly simply using a few assembly steps, which leads to a considerable time saving. The above-described support structure and support module consequently give rise to important technical and economic advantages.

PCT/EP2005/003118 BLOWUP MEDIA GMBH
NEW CLAIMS
1. Support structure for an information and/or advertising
surface for fitting to a mast tower (22) of a crane,
having a base frame (18) which can be placed in displace-
able or fixed manner on mast tower (22), or with a mast
tower part (18) as base frame (18),
characterized by
a plurality of pivotable folding wings (28), which are piv-otably articulated about vertical axes in corner areas (30) of base frame (18) and which can be folded in in volume-saving manner for a transportation state and folded out for an operating state.
2. Support structure according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the base frame circumferentially completely surrounds mast tower (22).
3. Support structure according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the base frame (18) is constructed in multipart manner with holding frames (32) and end frames (34).
4. Support structure according to one of the claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that
the base frame (18) has a substantially rectangular cross-section.
5. Support structure according to one of the claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that

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there are four identical folding wings (28).
Support structure according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that
stabilizing elements (36) are provided for stabilizing the folding wings (28) in the operating state and/or transportation state.
Support structure according to claim 6,
characterized in that
guys (38) are provided as stabilizing elements (36).
Support structure according to claim 7,
characterized in that
the guys (38) are longitudinally adjustable for providing a
plurality of folding wing operating positions.
Support structure according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that
several support devices are provided for supporting base frame (18) relative to mast tower (22).
Support structure according to one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that
a drive is provided for the displacement of base frame (18) on mast tower (22).
Support structure according to one of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that
a bearing frame (42) connected to the base frame (18) is provided for supporting and/or suspending base frame (18) on mast tower (22).
Support structure according to one of the claims 1 to 11, which is constructed for fitting to the mast tower (22) of a building crane (20).

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Support structure according to one of the claims 4 to 12,
characterized in that
the base frame (18) has a square cross-section.
Support structure according to one of the claims 7 to 13,
characterized in that
the guys (3 8) are cable guys.
Support structure according to one of the claims 9 to 14,
characterized in that
rolls (40) are provided as support devices.
Support structure according to one of the claims 10 to 15, characterized in that
a hydraulic device or electric motor is provided as a drive.
Support module for an information and/or advertising surface,
having a tower part (24) of a crane mast tower (22) and a support structure (14) according to one of the claims 1 to 16.
Support module according to claim 17,
characterized in that
the support structure (14) can be connected to the tower
part (24).
Support module according to one of the claims 17 or 18, characterized in that
several supports are provided for supporting and/or suspending the support structure (14) on tower part (24).
Support module according to one of the claims 17 to 19, characterized in that
several brackets (46) are provided for the spaced fixing of base frame (18) to tower part (24).
AMENDED PAGE

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Support module according to one of the claims 19 or 20,
characterized in that
several wedges (44) are provided as supports.
Support module according to one of the claims 17 to 21, constructed for assembly with further identical support modules (10).
Support module according to one of the claims 17 to 22,
characterized in that
tower part (24) is part of a building crane (20).
SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR AN INFORMATION AND/OR ADVERTISING
SURFACE
The invention relates to a support structure for an information and/or advertising surface for fitting to a mast tower of a crane, particularly a building crane. According to the invention, the support structure is characterized by a plurality of folding elements, which can be folded in in volume-saving manner for a transportation state and folded out for an operating state.

Documents:

02618-kolnp-2006 abstract.pdf

02618-kolnp-2006 claims.pdf

02618-kolnp-2006 correspondence others.pdf

02618-kolnp-2006 description (complete).pdf

02618-kolnp-2006 drawings.pdf

02618-kolnp-2006 form-1.pdf

02618-kolnp-2006 form-3.pdf

02618-kolnp-2006 form-5.pdf

02618-kolnp-2006 international publication.pdf

02618-kolnp-2006 pct form.pdf

02618-kolnp-2006 priority document.pdf

02618-kolnp-2006-correspondence others.pdf

02618-kolnp-2006-form-3-1.1.pdf

02618-kolnp-2006-gpa.pdf

02618-kolnp-2006-priority document-1.1.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-ABSTRACT 1.1.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-ABSTRACT.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-AMENDED CLAIMS 1.1.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-AMENDED CLAIMS.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-AMENDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION 1.1.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-AMENDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-ASSIGNMENT.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-CANCELLED PAGES 1.1.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-CANCELLED PAGES.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-CORRESPONDENCE 1.2.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-CORRESPONDENCE 1.3.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-CORRESPONDENCE-1.1.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-DRAWINGS 1.1.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-DRAWINGS.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-FORM 1.1.1.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-FORM 1.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-FORM 2.1.1.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-FORM 2.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-FORM 3.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-OTHERS.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

2618-KOLNP-2006-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

abstract-02618-kolnp-2006.jpg


Patent Number 241970
Indian Patent Application Number 2618/KOLNP/2006
PG Journal Number 34/2010
Publication Date 20-Aug-2010
Grant Date 03-Aug-2010
Date of Filing 11-Sep-2006
Name of Patentee BLOWUP MEDIA GMBH
Applicant Address BORKSTR. 13,48163, MUNSTER,
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 DOKER, WERNER DUESBERGWEG 65 D, 448153,MUNSTER, GERMANY
2 WILMS,BERND AM BACKES 4, 41469,NEUSS,GERMANY
PCT International Classification Number G09F7/18; G09F15/00
PCT International Application Number PCT/EP2005/003118
PCT International Filing date 2005-03-23
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 102004014689.6 2004-03-25 Germany