Banner display device

Abstract

A banner display device includes an elongated housing containing a gripper roller which is used to grip and retain the edge of a banner in the housing. The housing includes tapered front and rear walls defining a chamber for the roller which is open at its lower end. When an edge of the banner is inserted into the chamber via the lower opening, the gripper roller presses the banner edge against the rear surface of the front wall to suspend the banner from the device.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A banner display device, comprising 
 (a) an elongated housing having a top wall and tapered front and rear walls depending therefrom to define a chamber having an open bottom for receiving an edge of the banner to be displayed; and    (b) an elongated gripper roller arranged in said chamber, said gripper roller pressing the banner edge against one of said front and rear walls to retain the edge in said chamber, whereby the banner is suspended from the device.    
     
     
         2 . A banner display device as defined in  claim 1 , and further comprising locking means for pressing said gripper roller against said one wall to lock the banner within the device.  
     
     
         3 . A banner display device as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said locking means comprises a screw which passes through said top wall and having a lower end which abuts against said gripper roller.  
     
     
         4 . A banner display device as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said gripper roller has a cylindrical configuration and a plurality of spaced flutes on the outer surface thereof, said flutes extending longitudinally of said gripper roller and being formed of a pliable material to assist in retaining the banner against said one wall.  
     
     
         5 . A banner display device as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said rear wall has an inward longitudinally extending ledge portion which supports said gripper roller.  
     
     
         6 . A banner display device as defined in  claim 5 , wherein said rear wall has a concave inner surface beneath said ledge portion to direct the banner edge toward a rear surface of said front wall, whereby the edge is gripped between said gripper roller and said front wall.  
     
     
         7 . A banner display device as defined in  claim 6 , wherein said front wall inner surface has a concave configuration.  
     
     
         8 . A banner display device as defined in  claim 7 , wherein said top wall, front wall, and rear wall contain opposed spaced projections defining opposed channels, respectively.  
     
     
         9 . A banner display device as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said top wall contains opposed spaced projections defining opposed channels.  
     
     
         10 . A banner display device as defined in  claim 9 , and further comprising at least one suspension fixture removably connected with said top wall channels.  
     
     
         11 . A banner display device as defined in  claim 10 , wherein said suspension fixture comprises a C-shaped extension.  
     
     
         12 . A banner display device as defined in  claim 11 , and further comprising a suspension rod supported within a pair of said C-shaped suspension fixtures.  
     
     
         13 . A banner display device as defined in  claim 10 , wherein said suspension fixture comprises a pivotal hook.  
     
     
         14 . A banner display device as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said housing is formed of one of synthetic plastic material, extruded aluminum and stainless steel.