Title of Invention	"APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING VISUAL IMAGE"
Abstract	Apparatus for displaying a visual image includes a device (10) having an inflatable main body (14) and a base portion (12). The main body (14) is formed from tubular members (17) which define a predetermined shape when inflated, providing at least one display face for displaying a visual image. The base portion (12) stabilises the device (10).

Full Text

Technical Field The present mvention relates to apparatus for displaying visual images and more particularly, to inflatable devices for displaying visual images and information in general, t such as advertismg, film projection, warnings, etc Background of the Invention Apparatus for displaying visual images such as billboards, screens and signboards in general have many various forms1 well-known globally and have been used to display information of all lands However, m general these apparatus are heavy, often permanent structures, which are difficult to transport and assemble Screens and signage that are designed to be portable are typically restricted in size, awkward to transport, difficult to move once assembled or unable to be assembled in confined areas Advertismg billboards and signage- used at motor vehicle race tracks are typically rigid structures which can potentially cause major damage and injury in the event of vehicle impact Inflatable apparatus in general are typically constructed of heavy materials such as canvas and are not able to be moved once inflated These devices must be continually inflated using constant airflow to maintain their stature and require heavy or complicated means of stabilisation Such devices do not provide a defimte shape or configuration that is resilient and able to maintain a desired structure Therefore, such devices are not appropriate for providmg effective display surfaces and the potential applications of such devices are substantially limited Object of the Invention It is the object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art Summary of the Invention Accordingly, the present mvention provides apparatus for displaying a visual image, said apparatus including a device having an inflatable mam body configured to provide at least one display face, when said mam body is inflated, for displaying said vjsual image, and a base portion for stabilising said device The main body comprises a plurality of sheets of parallel inflatable tubular members such that, when inflated and arranged on said base portion, said body defines a predetermined shape The sheets of tubular members may be formed from layers of a plastic material seam welded together Preferably, said tubular members are individually seaiable Alternatively, at least one of said tubular members is arranged in fluid communication with at least one other of said tubular members Preferably, said main body comprises two laterally opposing said sheets of tubular members, said base portion and said laterally opposing sheets defining a generall) triangular prism Preferably, said laterally opposing sheets are tied to each other and to said base portion Preferably, said device is configured such that at least one said display face is inclined with respect to said base portion at an angle of at least 45°, when said main body is inflated Preferably, said base portion is formed from one or more seaiable chambers adapted to be at least partially filled with water or particulate matter for stabilising said device Preferably, said seaiable chambers comprise one or more tubular members Preferably, said base portion comprises a sheet of parallel said tubular members Alternatively, said base portion is provided by at least one rigid base plate for stabilising said device Said at least one base plate may comprise a plurality of rigid base plates in hinged connection, to allow said device to be folded between said plates, when said main body is deflated The apparatus may further include an illumination source for illuminating said at least one display face Said device may be provided with an internal cavity accommodating said lilunrnation source Preferably, the apparatus further includes a cover, providing said visual image, which at least partially covers said main body The apparatus may further include an auxiliary inflatable memoer located between said main body and said cover for tensioning said cover Said apparatus may be entrenched in the ground such that only said main body is located above the surface of the ground The apparatus may further include guy ropes to secure said device Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred forms of the present invention will now be descnbed by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein Figures 1A and IB are a cross sectional view and a side view respectively of an apparatus for displaying visual images Figures 2A and 2B are a cross sectional view and a side view respectively of a further apparatus for displaying visual images Figures 3A and 3B are a cross sectional view, showing interior bracmg members, and a side view respectively of a further apparatus Figures 4A and 4B are a cross sectional view, showing interior bracing members, and a side view respectively of a still further apparatus Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of an alternative arrangement of the bracmg members and the base portion members of the apparatus Figure 6 is a side view of an alternative apparatus for displaying visual images Figures 7A and 7B are a cross sectional view, showing interior bracing members, and a side view respectively of a further apparatus Figures 8A and 8B are a cross sectional view, showing interior bracmg members, and a side view respectively of a yet further apparatus Figure 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus with a cover Figure 10 is a perspective view of an apparatus for displaying visual images Figure 11 is a sectional view along line A-A of Figure 10 Figure 12 is a sectional view along line B-B of Figure 10 Figure 13 is a sectional view along line A-A of Figure 10 depicting an alternate configuration to that of Figure 11 Figure 14 is a sectional view along line B-B of Figure 10 depicting the configuration of Figure 13 Figures 15 and 16 are perspective views of further examples of apparatus for displaying visual images Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of currently preferred apparatus for displaying visual images Figure 18 is an end view of the apparatus of Figure 17 showing additional inflatable members Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring to Figures 1A, IB, 2A and 2B, an apparatus for displaying visual images mcludes an inflatable device 10 having an inflatable mam body 14 configured to provide at least one display face 16 for displaying visual images when the mam body 14 is inflated The device further comprises a base portion 12, which is adapted to stabilise the device 10 The device 10 comprises a plurality of inflatable tubular members 17, which form the mam body 14 and the base portion 12 and which are arranged and fixed together such that, when the tubular members, 17 are inflated, the device 10 adopts a predetermined shape providing the at least one display face 16 The predetermined shape is most preferably a triangular pnsm or a rectangular prism, having a longitudinal axis The tubular members 17 of the base portion 12 can be filled with water or sand, in order to stabilise the device 10 The tubular members 17 compnse exterior members 18, which define the dimensions of the predetermined shape, and interior members 19, which brace and support the extenor members 18, As depicted in Figs 1A and 2A, the extenor members 18 and the intenor members 19 may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pnsm and may completely fill the intenor of the device 10 The device may compnse a plurality of modular elements jomed by cable ties, zip mechanisms, hook and loop type fasteners, stitching or seam welding The modular elements may be formed in various shapes and sizes to provide vanous shapes of the device 10 However, the modular elements'preferably compnse sheets of integrally formed tubular members 17 Typioally, the sheets of tubular members 17 are formed from layers of a plastic matenal seam welded together to form parallel rows of tubular members 17, similar to inflatable mattresses. Refernng to Figure 3A, the interior tnembers 19 may be arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pnsra In this arrangement, planar reinforcing structures are provided by sheets of the intenor tubular members 19, which lie in planes perpendicular to the pnsm axis These sheets are preferably spaced at vanous mtervals along the length of the device 10 As depicted in Figure 5, the tubular members 17 of the base portion 12 may compnse both intenor 19 and extenor 18 members As depicted in Figures 4 A and 4B, a number of the exterior members 18 may be arranged perpendicular to the,pnsm axis, while others are arranged parallel to the axis Vanous combmations are envisaged including the possibility of tubular members berng arranged in any onentation As depicted in Figure 8B, some of the tubular members 17 may be arranged m a honeycomb-like structure Each of the tubular members 17 may be integrally formed and/or in fluid communication with one Or moreiother tubular members 17 The device 10 may have a single inflation point, which would simplify the inflation of the device 10, or several inflation points so that, in the event of a puncture, the device 10 would not completely deflate Air is the preferred gas for inflating the mam body 14 as it is cheap and readily available However, helium having a lower relative density and being inert may be preferred in certain apphc'ations although it is more expensive and difficult to contain Other gases may also be used to suit different applications The pressure to which the tubular members 17 are typically infflated is approximately 5 to 6 psi (30 to 45 kPa) The display faces 16 may be configured m various ways to display the visual images thereon The faces 16 of me device W tnay have information and/or images prmted directly thereon or prmted 6n separate Material, which may be removably attached by attachment means, such as a hook and loop type tape fastener, provided on the device 10 As depicted in Figure 9, the device 10 may be provided with a removable cover 13 having images thereon, such that the images may be altered merely by replacmg the cover 13 Alternatively, the faces 16 may be adapted to display visual images projected thereon or adapted to display images when illuminated by a light source, which may be located internally or externally of the device 10 If an illumination source is to be located internally of the device 10, the mam body 14 would typically be made of a transparent material The above embodiments provide a fight-weight rigid structure, which is easily erected and transportable These-embodiments provide a display face which will not bulge or sag, which increases the 'effectiveness of the visual image displayed The stabilising base portion allows the device to stand independently of any securing mechanisms, such as guy ropes, in normal use. Referring to Figures 10' and, 11, an apparatus for displaying visual images includes a device 10 having a base portion 12 and an inflatable mam body 14 configured to provide at least one substantially planar and generally upstanding face 16 for receiving the visual images, when the mam body 14 is inflated The base portion 12 compnses at least one sealable chamber 20 as a means for stabilising the device 10 The chamber 20 can be filled with water or a particulate material such as sand The device 10 is configured to generally adopt the shape of a trapezoidal or triangular pnsm, when said mam body 14 is inflated The device 10 may also be configured to adopt other shapes such as a rectangular pnsm or pyramid The mam body 14 will typically be formed of tubular members as per the device of Figures 1 to 9 In most applications, it is envisaged mat the device 10, once inflated, would stand alone However, in certain situations such as environments involving large temperature or pressure changes, the internal pressure may need to be regulated In such applications, the apparatus may further include a source of compressed gas 30, a gas regulator 32 and a fluid Ime 34, in fluid communication therewith The fluid Ime 34 is sealingly engageable with the mam body 14 to provide communication between the gas source 30 and the mam body 14 for inflation of the mam body 14 While in most conditions it is envisaged that the base portion 12 will provide sufficient stability, in high wind conditions, it may be necessary to provide additional stabilising means Accordingly, the apparatus may further include guy ropes 40 to further stabilise the device 10 The regulator 32 can be used to adjust the pressure of the gas m the mam body 14, as conditions such as temperature change over time, to ensure that the main body 14 remains fully inflated Alternatively, the fluid Ime 34 may be detached and the main body 14 sealed after inflation As shown in Figure 12, the base portion 12 may include a number of separate sealable chambers 20a, 20b, 20c, which may be filled with liquid or a particulate matter such as sand As such, the base portion 12 may be folded between each chamber 20a, 20b, 20c, when the mam body 14 is deflated This facilitates transport and storage of the device 10 as it can be easily folded into a compact configuration even when the chambers are at least partially filled with water or sand In such applications, the base portion 12 may be constructed from a heavy canvas or plastic to mcrease stability In another apparatus depicted in Figure 13 and 14, the base portion 12 mcludes at least one rigid base plate 22 as a means for .stabilising the device 10 The base plate 22 may be divided mto a number of smaller individual plates 22a, 22b, 22c m hinged connection, such that the base portion 12 may be folded up along with the mam body 14, when the mam body 14 is deflated, to facilitate transport and storage of the device 10 For applications in which there is a possibility or likelihood of something impacting the device, the apparatus, including the compressed gas source 30 and regulator 32, may be entrenched in the ground such that only the mam body 14 of the device 10 is located above the surface of the ground Such applications would typically include advertising at motor vehicle and motorcycle racing venues and also at equestrian events The compressed gas source 30 and regulator 32 may be located away from the device 10 and gas supplied to the main body 14 by the fluid line 34 In the event of a collision with the apparatus, only the inflatable main body 14 would be unpacted, reducing the nsk of serious damage or injury In other applications, the apparatus may be used for displaying warnings or directions of emergency services, such as police directions at an accident scene The apparatus may also be used to provide a barncade which may include a number of the devices placed end to end In such applications, the compact apparatus may be stored in a vehicle's luggage compartment and easily arranged and inflated when necessary The apparatus may also be used to provide divider walls for temporary establishments such as trade shows and exhibitions In such applications, the device may be constructed of a light weight material and filled with air so that the device is self supporting The device may be located by means such as clips on the floor or by being tied to the floor, which are f » simpler and lighter than restraints used for conventional dividers » • >. applications and environment conditions in which the apparatus may be used can vary substantially, the materials of which the device 10 is constructed many vary accordmgly Heavier more durable material may be used for larger applications and for extreme weather conditions such as lmed canvas or other fabric As the size of the device 10 and type of material vary, the pressure required within the inflated mam body 14 will also vary accordmgly, with higher pressures required for larger, heavier constructions The apparatus may also include means for recompressmg the gas when deflating the device 10, so that the same gas can be reused in a subsequent application Referring to Figure 15, an alternative version of the device 10, comprising a plurality of inflatable tubular members 17, may simply form a basic framework over which a cover (not shown) is placed to display the visual image Alternatively, as depicted m Figure 16, panels of fabric 42 may be secured to the framework by lacmg or other means, to display the visual image In this embodiment, the fabric panels 42 may act as stress members and assist in stiffening the device 10 A particularly preferred form of the device 10 is depicted m Figures 17 and 18 The main body portion 14 includes two lateral sheets 13 of mtegrally formed tubular members 17 The base portion 12 includes a single sheet of mtegrally formed tubular members 15 Due to the buoyancy of the device 10 of this and other embodiments, the apparatus may be adapted to locate the device on water, by means of attachment to a buoy or other means of anchoring The tubular members 17 of the mam body portion 14 are provided with inflation points 28 and attachment points 26 Each of the tubular members 17 is separately inflatable via the inflation points 28 Attachment points 26 are adapted to receive cable ties or lacmg to attach the two lateral sheets 13 of the mam body portion 14 The tubular members 15 of the base portion 12 are provided with fluid supply points 24 When assembling this embodiment of the device 10, each of the tubular members 15 of the base portion 12 is partially filled with water via an externally threaded port at each of said fluid supply points 24 Screw-threaded caps, each housing a valve, are threadably secured over each port Each of the tubular members 15 can then be further mflated with pressurised air via the valves to ensure rigidity of the base portion 12 The material of the tubular members 15 of the base portion 12 will typically be formed from a suitably heavy duty material to protect against rough handling of the device 10 being dragged along the ground, or alternatively the base portion 12 might be encased in a separate cover of protective heavy duty material to avoid handling damage Each of the tubular members 17 of the lateral sheets 13 are inflated with pressurised air via valves provided at the inflation points 28 Once mflated, the lateral sheets 13 are laced together with cable ties at attachment points 26 along a top side of each lateral sheet 13 The attached lateral sheets 13 are arranged to rest on the base portion 12 as shown in Figure 17 to form a generally triangular pnsm It is not necessary to directly secure the mam body portion 14 to the base portion 12, although if desired, the main body 14 and base portion 12 may be secured to one another at additional attachment pomts The base portion 12 is also provided with zip mechanisms 29 provided along opposite edges of the base portion 12, to attach a cover 54 providing a visual image The cover is placed over the mam body poruon 14 and attached via the zip mechanisms 29 to the base portion 12 The cover 54, when attached by the zip mechanisms 29, acts to maintain the mam body portion 14 relative to the base portion 12 The preferred embodiment of the device 10 further mcludes an elongate inflatable bladder 50 The bladder 50 is placed between the base portion 12 and the two lateral sheets 13 of the mam body portion 14 and extends the length of the device 10 The bladder 50 is mflated after the cover 54 has been attached and forces the lateral sheets 13 outwards, stretching the cover 54 so as to provide a taut, flat surface for displaying the visual image The device 10 may further include an elongate inflatable auxiliary member 52 The auxiliary member 52 is arranged above the two lateral sheets 13 of the mam body portion 14 and extends the length of the device 10 The auxiliary member 52 is mflated after the cover 54 has been attached and acts to further stretch the cover 54. We Claims :- 1. Apparatus (10) displaying a visual image, said apparatus (10) comprising: a base portion (12); a first lateral sheet (13) of inflatable and separately sealable tubular members (17); a display face (16); and a visual image displayed on said display face (16); characterized in that: said base portion (12) is a planar stabilizing base portion (12) for stabilizing said apparatus (10) , said base portion (12) having a first/ lateral side and an opposing second lateral side; each said tubular member (1.7) of said first lateral sheet (13) extends from a first lateral edge of said first lateral sheet (13) to an opposing second lateral edge of said first lateral sheet (13), each of said tubular members (17) of said first lateral sheet (13) being respectively arranged adjacent each other in a parallel side by side configuration . said apparatus (10) further comprises a second lateral sheet (13) of parallel, inflatable and separately sealable tubular members (17) , each said tubular member (17) of said second lateral sheet (13) extending from a first lateral edge of said second lateral sheet (13) to a second lateral edge of said second lateral sheet (13), each of said tubular members (17) of said second lateral sheet (13) being respectively arranged adjacent each other in a side by side configuration ; and said first lateral sheet (13) is arranged on said base portion (12) with said first lateral edge of said first lateral sheet (13) extending parallel and adjacent to said first lateral side of said base portion (12) , said second lateral sheet (13) is arranged on said base portion (12) with said first lateral edge of said second lateral sheet (13) extending parallel and adjacent to said second lateral side of said base portion (12), and said second lateral edge of said first lateral sheet (13) extends parallel, and attached to said second lateral edge of said second lateral sheet (13), such that said base portion (12) and said first and second lateral sheets (13) define a generally triangular prism. 2. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said apparatus (10) further comprises a cover (54) defining said display face (16) and having a first lateral edge and an opposing second lateral edge , said first lateral edge of said cover being secured to said first lateral side of said base portion (12) and said cover (54) extending over said first and second lateral sheets (13) with said second lateral edge of said cover (54) being secured to said second lateral side of said base portion (12). 3. The apparatus (10) as claimed; in claim 1, wherein said first and second lateral sheets (13) are tied to each other and to said base portion (12). 4. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said first lateral sheet (13) and said second lateral sheet (13) are each inclined with respect to said base portion (12) at an angle of at least 45 degrees. 5. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base portion (12) comprises a third sheet of parallel inflatable and separately sealable tubular members (15) , each of said tubular members (15) of said third sheet being respectively arranged adjacent each other in a side by side configuration, each said tubular member (15) of said third sheet being at least partially filled with water or particulate matter for stabilizing said apparatus (10). 6. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base portion (12) comprises at least one rigid base plate (22). 7. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base portion (12) comprises a plurality of hinged base-plates (22a, 22b, 22c) in hinged connection. 8. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said apparatus (10) further comprises an auxiliary inflatable member (52) , located above said second lateral edge of said first lateral sheet (13) , above said second lateral edge of said second lateral sheet (13) and below said cover (54), for tensioning said cover (54). 9. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus (10) further comprises guy ropes (40) extending from each of said first lateral sheet (13) and said second lateral sheet (13). 10. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said visual image is an advertisement.

Documents:

785-delnp-2003-abstract.pdf

785-delnp-2003-claims.pdf

785-delnp-2003-complete specification (as filed).pdf

785-delnp-2003-complete specification (granted).pdf

785-DELNP-2003-Correspondence-Others (29-10-2009).pdf

785-delnp-2003-correspondence-others.pdf

785-delnp-2003-correspondence-po.pdf

785-delnp-2003-description (complete).pdf

785-delnp-2003-drawings.pdf

785-delnp-2003-form-1.pdf

785-delnp-2003-form-13 (29-10-2009).pdf

785-delnp-2003-form-13.pdf

785-delnp-2003-form-18.pdf

785-delnp-2003-form-2.pdf

785-delnp-2003-form-3.pdf

785-delnp-2003-form-5.pdf

785-delnp-2003-gpa.pdf

785-delnp-2003-pct-101.pdf

785-delnp-2003-pct-210.pdf

785-delnp-2003-pct-306.pdf

785-delnp-2003-pct-401.pdf

785-delnp-2003-pct-409.pdf

785-delnp-2003-petition-137.pdf