U.S. patent application number 12/484206 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-17 for collapsible support structure for a display.
This patent application is currently assigned to ELEMENT LABS, INC.. Invention is credited to Grant Arthur John Elliott, Marcus Robert Patterson.
Application Number | 20090309819 12/484206 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41414276 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090309819 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Elliott; Grant Arthur John ;
et al. |
December 17, 2009 |
Collapsible Support Structure for a Display
Abstract
A support structure for a lighting display can be collapsed down
towards the display. In an implementation, the support structure
includes a set of first structural members onto which one or more
tiles are attached. A second structural member is connected across
the first structural members. When the second structural member is
removed, the set of first structural members can be collapsed.
Inventors: |
Elliott; Grant Arthur John;
(Tai Po, HK) ; Patterson; Marcus Robert;
(Glenfield, NZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AKA CHAN LLP
900 LAFAYETTE STREET, SUITE 710
SANTA CLARA
CA
95050
US
|
Assignee: |
ELEMENT LABS, INC.
Santa Clara
CA
|
Family ID: |
41414276 |
Appl. No.: |
12/484206 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61061338 |
Jun 13, 2008 |
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61061347 |
Jun 13, 2008 |
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61061353 |
Jun 13, 2008 |
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61061358 |
Jun 13, 2008 |
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61061365 |
Jun 13, 2008 |
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61061369 |
Jun 13, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/82 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 21/088 20130101;
G09F 9/3026 20130101; G06F 3/0304 20130101; F21S 2/005 20130101;
H05K 999/99 20130101; G09F 9/33 20130101; G06F 3/1446 20130101;
G06F 3/017 20130101; G01J 3/28 20130101; G06F 1/00 20130101; Y10T
29/49826 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/82 |
International
Class: |
G09G 3/32 20060101
G09G003/32 |
Claims
1. A light-emitting display system comprising: a first
light-emitting tile having a plurality of light-emitting elements
disposed thereon and a first connecting member attached thereto; a
second light-emitting tile having a plurality of light-emitting
elements disposed thereon and a second connecting member attached
thereto; and a structural support having a first structural member
connected to a second structural member, wherein the first
connecting member is connected to the second connecting member, and
wherein the first and second light-emitting tiles are connected to
the first structural member.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the first light-emitting tile
comprises a first attachment mechanism attached thereto, wherein
the second light-emitting tile comprises a second attachment
mechanism attached thereto, wherein the first and second attachment
mechanisms connect the first and second light-emitting tiles to the
first structural member, respectively.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the first attachment mechanism is
disposed substantially within a center of a back surface of the
first light-emitting tile, wherein the second attachment mechanism
is disposed substantially within a center of a back surface of the
second light-emitting tile.
4. The system of claim 2 wherein the first and second attachment
mechanisms removably and rotatably connect with the first
structural member.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the first connecting member is
removably connected to the second connecting member.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the first structural member is
removably connected to the second structural member.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of light-emitting
elements disposed on one of the first light-emitting tile and the
second light-emitting tile comprise light-emitting diodes of
different colors.
8. The display system of claim 1 wherein the first connecting
member is attached adjacent an edge of the first light-emitting
tile, wherein the second connecting member is attached adjacent an
edge of the second light-emitting tile.
9. The display system of claim 1 wherein the first connecting
member comprises a male connecting member and the second connecting
member comprises a female connecting member.
10. The display system of claim 9 wherein the first connecting
member comprises a clip and the second connecting member comprises
receptacle.
11. A method of assembling a light-emitting display system, the
method comprising: providing a first light-emitting tile and a
second light-emitting tile; connecting a first connecting member
disposed on the first light-emitting tile to a second connecting
member disposed on the second light-emitting tile; connecting the
first light-emitting tile to a structural support; and connecting
the second light-emitting tile to the structural support.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the structural support comprises
a first structural member and a second structural member, the
method further comprising: connecting the first structural member
to the second structural member.
13. The method of claim 11 further comprising a first attachment
mechanism and a second attachment mechanism, wherein the first
attachment mechanism connects the first light-emitting tile to the
first structural member, wherein the second attachment mechanism
connects the second light-emitting tile to the first structural
member.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the first and second attachment
mechanisms removably and rotatably connect with the first
structural member.
15. The method of claim 11 wherein the first connecting member
comprises a clip and the second connecting member comprises
receptacle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
provisional patent applications 61/061,338; 61/061,347; 61/061,353;
61/061,358; 61/061,365; and 61/061,369, all filed Jun. 13, 2008,
which are incorporated by reference along with all other references
cited in this application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention generally relates to display units and
particularly to a display unit including groups of light-emitting
elements mounted to a support structure such that the display may
be easily and safely installed and reconfigured while retaining
both strength and positional accuracy. The invention discloses
improvements in the structure and manufacture of such systems.
[0003] Display units for entertainment, architectural, and
advertising purposes have commonly been constructed of numbers of
light-emitting elements such as LEDs or incandescent lamps mounted
onto flat tiles. The light-emitting elements can be selectively
turned on and off to create patterns, graphics, and video displays
for both informational and aesthetic purposes. These displays may
be constructed as tiles or large panels which are assembled in
position for a specific entertainment show or event or as an
architectural or advertising display.
[0004] When such a display is used for an event or theatrical
production, it is desirable that the display be easily removable,
for example in between scenes of a play or theatrical event, as the
needs of the production dictate. Some systems use a tile based
structure where a tile, typically around 61 centimeters.times.61
centimeters (i.e., 2 feet.times.2 feet), can be lifted by hand and
positioned. Accurate positioning of the tiles may be a time
consuming and complex process involving skilled personnel.
[0005] Further, a display constructed as a large panel or as a
series of large solid tiles which are bolted or permanently fixed
may not easily be removed in this manner. In order to achieve the
alignment accuracy required the displays are large and heavy and
require significant support machinery, time, and storage space to
move. In some systems, a lifting truss is needed to lift individual
display sections out of storage cases so the sections can be joined
and stacked.
[0006] Displays of these types may be constructed at different
resolutions where the spacing between the light-emitting elements
can be varied. It may also be a requirement to change this spacing
at different points on the display. Further prior art systems, such
as the VersaPixel manufactured by Element Labs, may use suspended
light-emitting elements to be used as a ceiling or roof to an area.
It would be advantageous to have a support and installation
structure for such a display that is simple to install and that
facilitates use in differing resolutions and on different planes
through a single easily adjustable structure.
[0007] Small errors in the positioning of the pixels within tiles
and tiles within a display can be cumulative and may lead to large
errors in overall pixel alignment accuracy. At the same time the
display support system must be strong enough to support a large
area of display tiles and to withstand side loads from wind and
weather if used outside. The goal of simultaneous strength,
rigidity, and accuracy is one that is not achieved in prior art
systems and the user typically has to accept a reduced accuracy in
order to achieve the required strength.
[0008] Another requirement for display systems for events,
theatrical productions, advertisements or architectural designs is
the need for the display to take up a minimal amount of storage
space or height when stored and not in use.
[0009] The disclosed invention solves these problems and discloses
improvements in the structure and manufacture of such display units
so as to provide a single comprehensive display system and support
structure capable of providing both strength and rigidity in both
planar and nonplanar arrangements while also collapsing into a
minimum volume for transport and storage.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A support structure for a lighting display can be collapsed
down towards the display. In an implementation, the support
structure includes a set of first structural members onto which one
or more tiles are attached. A second structural member is connected
across the first structural members. When the second structural
member is removed, the set of first structural members can be
collapsed.
[0011] In a specific implementation a light-emitting display system
includes a first light-emitting tile having a plurality of
light-emitting elements and a first connecting member attached to
it. There is a second light-emitting tile having a plurality of
light-emitting elements and a second connecting member attached to
it. A structural support having a first structural member is
connected to a second structural member. The first connecting
member is connected to the second connecting member. The first and
second light-emitting tiles are connected to the first structural
member.
[0012] The first light-emitting tile may include a first attachment
mechanism attached to it. The second light-emitting tile may
include a second attachment mechanism attached to it, where the
first and second attachment mechanisms connect the first and second
light-emitting tiles to the first structural member,
respectively.
[0013] In a specific implementation, the first attachment mechanism
is located substantially within a center of a back surface of the
first light-emitting tile. The second attachment mechanism is
located substantially within a center of a back surface of the
second light-emitting tile.
[0014] The first and second attachment mechanisms may removably and
rotatably connect (e.g., a hinge mechanism) with the first
structural member. The first connecting member may be removably
connected to the second connecting member. The first structural
member may be removably connected to the second structural member.
The plurality of light-emitting elements may be located on one of
the first light-emitting tile and the second light-emitting tile
may include light-emitting diodes of different colors.
[0015] In a specific embodiment, the first connecting member is
attached adjacent an edge of the first light-emitting tile. The
second connecting member is attached adjacent an edge of the second
light-emitting tile.
[0016] The first connecting member may include a male connecting
member and the second connecting member may include a female
connecting member. The first connecting member may include a clip
and the second connecting member may include a receptacle.
[0017] In a specific implementation, a method of assembling a
light-emitting display system includes providing a first
light-emitting tile and a second light-emitting tile, connecting a
first connecting member disposed on the first light-emitting tile
to a second connecting member disposed on the second light-emitting
tile, connecting the first light-emitting tile to a structural
support, and connecting the second light-emitting tile to the
structural support.
[0018] The structural support may include a first structural member
and a second structural member. The method may further include
connecting the first structural member to the second structural
member.
[0019] In a specific implementation, the method of claim further
includes a first attachment mechanism and a second attachment
mechanism. The first attachment mechanism connects the first
light-emitting tile to the first structural member. The second
attachment mechanism connects the second light-emitting tile to the
first structural member.
[0020] The first and second attachment mechanisms may removably and
rotatably connect with the first structural member. The first
connecting member may include a clip and the second connecting
member may include a receptacle.
[0021] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following
detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which like
reference designations represent like features throughout the
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a pixel in a video display.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a portion of a modular video display.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows the tolerance and alignment variables in a
modular video display.
[0025] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention showing
the separate structural and alignment members of a video
display.
[0026] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention showing
an isometric view of a single tile of a video display.
[0027] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the present invention showing
the rear view of a single tile of a video display.
[0028] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the present invention showing
the rear view of a section of a video display and its structural
support.
[0029] FIG. 8 shows a further illustration of an embodiment of the
present invention showing the rear view of a section of a video
display and its structural support ready to be collapsed.
[0030] FIG. 9 shows a further illustration of an embodiment of the
present invention showing the rear view of a section of a video
display and its structural support in the collapsed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] FIG. 1 shows a pixel in a video display. Each pixel 101a,
101b, 101c, and 101d may be constructed from three LEDs: red (R),
green (G), and blue (B). The distance 103 and 102 between the
center of a pixel 101 and its adjacent pixels is referred to as the
pixel pitch. The x-axis pixel pitch 103 may be the same as the
y-axis pixel pitch 102.
[0032] In a large display with a large number of pixels it is
desirable that the pixel pitch is controlled within tight
tolerances. Errors in the pixel pitch across the display may be
apparent to the viewer and adversely affect the image quality.
[0033] Some more details on video display products can be found in
U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/415,627, filed Mar. 31, 2009;
12/484,200, 12/484,201, 12/484,202, 12/484,203, and 12/484,205,
filed Jun. 13, 2009; and U.S. provisional patent applications
61/072,597, filed Mar. 31, 2008, and 61/170,887, filed Apr. 20,
2009, which are incorporated by reference.
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of a modular video display 110
where display modules 112, 114, 116, and 118 are mounted adjacent
to each other to form a single display. Controlling pixel alignment
and pitch within a single module may be accomplished through such
means as accurate component placement on a printed circuit board
within the module housing. The modules may be constructed from
plastic, and be sufficiently small that the tolerances within the
modules can be tightly controlled.
[0035] However the pitch 119 between the pixels on adjacent modules
is controlled by the accurate mechanical alignment and spacing of
the individual modules. If this alignment and spacing is not
accurately maintained, gaps may appear in the display which appear
darker when the screen is set to black. Additionally banding can
appear due to perceived luminance errors. For example, if the pixel
pitch between modules is greater than the pixel pitch within the
module, then the effective area subtended to the viewer by the
pixels at the boundary is larger than those within the module. This
increased effective area causes the perceived luminance of the
pixels at the boundaries of the modules to be lower than the pixels
within the module, thereby causing an apparent band or stripe in
the image.
[0036] In a typical prior art modular display screen a number of
display modules are mounted onto a larger tile and these tiles are
connected together to form the entire screen. The tiles are
typically constructed from folded sheet metal, and are large
compared to the modules. These tiles and their interconnection
provide both the alignment of the display modules and the
structural support and strength to form the mechanical
infrastructure of the screen. If a screen is intended for an
outdoor application then it must further be able to withstand wind
loadings producing significant sideways forces.
[0037] FIG. 3 shows the tolerance and alignment variables in a
modular video display. A plurality of display modules 124 are
assembled onto a support structure 126 to form tile 120 and a
second plurality of display modules 122 are assembled onto support
structure 128 to form a second tile 122. Support structures 126 and
128 are interconnected to support and align the two tiles. The
alignment of the display modules 124 on tile 120 with display
modules 122 on tile 122 are affected by multiple and cumulative
tolerances; tolerance 2 between tile 120 and support structure 126,
tolerance 4 between support structure 126 and support structure 128
and tolerance 6 between support structure 128 and tile 122.
[0038] In a prior art system such tolerances may accumulate and
produce a total pixel positional error as high as .+-.8.25 percent
(total 16.5 percent) resulting in visible and objectionable
luminance difference between the pixels at the tile boundaries and
the pixels within the tile. Such a gap between tiles will be
noticeable and detract from a cohesive look. Although here we are
referring to tolerances in a single axis, it is also important to
note that these tolerances are present and important in all 3
axes.
[0039] The prior art uses the support structure 126, 128 to provide
both:
[0040] 1. Alignment--ensuring that the tiles align to form a
cohesive display; and
[0041] 2. Structural Strength or Support--ensuring that the screen
can support itself safely as well as endure additional forces from
wind loading in outdoor situations.
[0042] Alignment accuracy is desirable for display quality but the
large structural parts needed to simultaneously achieve the
strength goals may hinder that accuracy. Achieving the tight
tolerances needed with large structural components can be difficult
and expensive, and almost always involves large amounts of time
consuming and expensive machining.
[0043] This invention improves on the prior art and discloses means
for assembling a modular display which, in a specific
implementation, isolates the alignment and structural requirements
from each other and provides enhanced alignment accuracy.
[0044] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention showing
the separate structural and alignment members of a video display
150. Multiple display modules 124 are assembled into a plurality of
tiles 120. In a specific implementation, tiles 120 connect to
adjacent tiles through attachment mechanisms such as latches,
clips, clamps, mounts, rotary-lock mounts (e.g., NCC rotary-lock
mount), or any other types of fastener which provide accurate and
improved alignment without having any requirement (or minimal
requirements) to provide support or strength to the system. Some
specific examples of latches include spring latches, slam latches,
cam locks, Norfolk latches, Suffolk latches, cross bars, cabin
hooks, bolt lock latches, compression latches, draw latches, over
center draw latches, pull draw latches, rotary action latches,
concealed draw latches, fixed grip cam latches, adjustable grip cam
latches, vise action compression latches, lift and turn compression
latches, lever latches, and self-adjusting latches.
[0045] Removing the strength requirement from these components
allows cheaper (i.e., less costly), smaller, more accurately
manufactured parts to be used and ensure highly accurate alignment.
For example, less material (e.g., plastic and metal), less
expensive materials, or both may be used in making the attachment
mechanisms because the attachment mechanisms do not have to provide
structural support. In other words, in a specific implementation,
the attachment mechanisms are not load-bearing or do not require
design computations for bearing specific loads such as wind loads,
the dead load (e.g., weight) of the tile or adjacent tiles, seismic
loads, live loads, and so forth. In this specific implementation,
the attachment mechanisms do not carry the weight of the tile and
do not resist or transfer significant forces. In another
implementation, the attachment mechanisms are designed to support
the weight of the tile, but do not need to support other forces
(e.g., wind).
[0046] In these specific implementations, less material needs to be
used and a lighter-weighing tile can be produced as compared to
tiles with attachment mechanisms that are designed to bear
significant structural loads. A lighter-weighing tile offers
several benefits. For example, the tile is easier to transport,
assemble, disassemble, configure, reconfigure, and replace.
[0047] In other implementations, the attachment mechanisms provide
at least some structural support. For example, the attachment
mechanisms may provide at least some support for bearing wind
loads, the dead load of the tile, or both wind loads and dead
loads. In this specific implementation, the attachment mechanisms
carry a portion of the load (e.g., wind load, dead load, or both).
The remaining portion of the load may be carried by secondary
structural support 152. Typically, the portion of the load carried
by the attachment mechanisms will be less than the portion of the
load carried by the secondary structural support. For example, the
attachment mechanisms may carry about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20,
25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 percent of the total load. In various other
implementations, the portion of the load carried by the attachment
mechanisms is the same as the load carried by the secondary
structural support. The portion of the load carried by the
attachment mechanisms is greater than the load carried by the
secondary structural support.
[0048] A single attachment mechanism for a tile may be able to
support at least the weight of the tile divided by the number of
attachment mechanisms attached to the tile. In a specific
implementation, a tile has two attachment mechanisms per side for a
total of eight attachment mechanisms and weighs about 5 kilograms.
In this specific implementation, a single attachment mechanism can
support at least 0.62 kilograms (e.g., 5 kilograms/8 attachment
mechanisms=0.62 kilograms).
[0049] The tiles may be manufactured using injection molding or
other techniques which have inherently high levels of accuracy
compared to the sheet metal and machining techniques used in the
prior art. Thus the video display will be accurately aligned and
cohesive in its appearance.
[0050] In a specific implementation, structural support and
strength is provided though a secondary structural support 152
which is connected to the display tiles through attachment
mechanisms 154 such that the alignment of the display tiles remains
uncompromised. The secondary structural support provides the
strength required to support itself and the display tile and to
resist other applied forces such as wind loading.
[0051] To ensure that any inaccurate alignment of structural
support 152 does not compromise or affect the alignment of the
display tiles 120 the interconnecting members 154 are constructed
so as to take up or nullify any tolerance difference between the
accurately aligned display tiles 120 and the structural support
152. Alignment accuracies up to an order (or orders) of magnitude
better than the prior art system can be provided by the separation
of the functions of alignment and support.
[0052] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention showing
an isometric view of a single tile (or panel) 160 of a video
display. A plurality of pixels 161 are mounted to a display tile
160. Display tile 160 is accurately constructed to very tight
tolerances and may use injection molding or other inherently
accurate manufacturing technique. The strength requirement for tile
160 is minimal because in a specific implementation it only needs
to support itself, the attached pixels, and associated circuitry.
In this specific implementation, there is no requirement to provide
support for adjacent tiles, although some support may be provided
for smaller screen configurations or those that do not require wind
loading support.
[0053] Alignment between adjacent tiles 160 is provided through
male connecting members, such as clips 162, and female connecting
members, such as receptacles 164. Clips 162 and receptacles 164
provide highly accurate alignment of adjacent tiles with no
requirement (or minimal requirements) to transmit support or
strength between those tiles. This allows the use of accurate
construction to very tight tolerances which may use injection
molding or any other inherently accurate manufacturing
technique.
[0054] In this specific implementation, tile 160 has two connecting
members on each of its four sides. A side has connecting members of
a first type (e.g., male connecting members) and an opposite side
has connecting members of a second type (e.g., female connecting
members), different from the first type. A side has connecting
members of a first type and an adjacent side has connectors of a
first type or connectors of a second type. For example, a top side
includes a first set of two male connecting members. A bottom side
includes a second set of two female connecting members. A
right-hand side includes a third set of two female connecting
members. A left-hand side includes a fourth set of two male
connecting members.
[0055] In another implementation, a side has connecting members of
a first type and an opposite side has connecting members of the
first type. It should also be appreciated that a side can have any
number of connectors including no connectors, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
connectors, or more than 7 connectors. A number of connectors on
one side may be equal to or different from a number of connectors
on another side (e.g., opposite side or adjacent side).
[0056] Furthermore, the connectors on a side may or may not be
equally spaced. The connectors may be equally distributed along a
length of the side. The connectors may be equally spaced from a
midpoint of the side.
[0057] In this specific implementation, the tile has four sides and
has the shape of a square. In this specific implementation, a
length of a side of the square is about 400 millimeters. However,
the length can range from about 50 millimeters to about 5000
millimeters including, for example, 100, 200, 300, 500, 600, 700,
800, 900, 1000, 2000, 4000, or more than 5000 millimeters. In some
implementations, the length is less than 50 millimeters.
[0058] It should also be appreciated that the tile can have any
number of sides and can be in any shape. Some examples of other
shapes include rectangles, triangles, circles, and ovals.
[0059] FIG. 6 shows a further illustration of an embodiment of the
present invention showing the rear view of a single tile of a video
display. Clips 162 on the top of a tile may connect to receptacles
164 on the bottom of the adjacent tile. When clip 162 is closed
angle adjustment plate 167 will be pulled into contact with clamp
plate 168 on the adjacent tile in the vertical plane. Clip 162 is
designed such that it can accommodate a wide range of angles in
angle adjustment plate 167 and still maintain accurate and secure
connection between the tiles. Similarly clips 162 on the right of a
tile may connect to receptacles 164 on the left side of the
adjacent tile and angle adjustment plates 167 will be pulled into
contact with clamp plate 168 in the horizontal plane. Strength and
support for tile 160 is provided through center attachment point
166 which connects to the interconnecting member back to the
structural support. Through such means a modular display of any
size and shape may be quickly and accurately constructed.
[0060] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the present invention showing
the rear view of a section of a video display and its structural
support. Four tiles 160 are joined together through their clips 162
and receptacles 164 to form a single aligned display unit. Each
tile 160 connects via central clamp 184 and attachment mechanism
183 to first structural members 182. For example, the central clamp
184 may connect with center attachment point 166 (FIG. 6). First
structural members 182 are further connected to second structural
members 181. The structural members 181 and 182 form a rigid frame
that provides the strength and support for tiles 160 allowing the
clips 162 and receptacles 164 to provide accurate alignment.
[0061] Although only four tiles 160, two first structural members
182 and one second structural member 181 are shown in FIG. 7, the
invention is not so limited and any number and arrangement of tiles
and structural members may be connected within the scope of the
invention. For example, there can be one first structural member
182, one or more tiles, and no second structural member 181; one
first structural member 182, one or more tiles, and one second
structural member 181; or any other combination. In a specific
implementation, a number of tiles of the video display is greater
than a number of first structural members, a number of second
structural members, or both. A number of tiles of the video display
may be less than or equal to a number of first structural members,
a number of second structural members, or both.
[0062] In a further embodiment the attachment mechanisms 183 may
connect to the second structural members 181 instead of or in
addition to the first structural members 182.
[0063] The connections between each first structural member 182 and
multiple attachment mechanisms 183 can allow for rotation in a
vertical plane of the first structural member 182 about that
connection. When the display is in operational use this rotation is
prevented by the connection of first structural members 182 to one
or more second structural member 181 and the structural members
form a rigid assembly.
[0064] When it is desired to dismantle the display for transport or
storage the second structural members may be removed as illustrated
in FIG. 8. In this configuration the first structural members 182
are free to rotate about the connection 186 to attachment
mechanisms 183 in the direction as indicated by an arrow. After the
first structural members 182 have been rotated they appear as
illustrated in FIG. 9 where they are lying essentially parallel to
the plane of the display tiles 160. In this configuration the
assembly is significantly reduced in thickness and is more easily
moved and stored.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 7, in a specific implementation a
first end of attachment mechanism 183 can be rotatably connected to
first structural member 182. A second end of the attachment
mechanism can be connected to the tile. When the first structural
member is disconnected from the second structural member, the first
structural member can rotate with respect to its vertical axis as
shown in FIG. 9. The first end of the attachment mechanism and the
first structural member can have any structural or mechanical
arrangement so that the first structural member can be collapsed,
rotated, or folded down towards the rear side of the tile as shown
in FIG. 9.
[0066] Any type of connection mechanism may be used to connect the
first structural member with the second structural member. Some
examples of connection mechanisms include screws, nails, brackets
(e.g., L-brackets), bolts, nuts, dowels, cotter pins, rivets,
snap-fits, interference fits (e.g., stud is received by receptacle)
glue, welds, threaded mechanisms, coupling devices, and so
forth.
[0067] In a specific implementation, the first structural member
includes a first tube having a circular cross section (or at least
a portion of a circular cross section). The first end of the
attachment mechanism includes a sleeve, or other hollow member,
having a passageway. The sleeve and thus the attachment mechanism
can slip onto an end of the first tube. That is, the first tube
passes through the passageway of the sleeve.
[0068] In this specific implementation, the passageway of the
sleeve has a circular cross section (or at least a portion of a
circular cross section) so that the first tube can rotate within or
with respect to the sleeve so that the first structural member can
be collapsed. The cross section of the passageway is concentric
with the cross section of the first tube. Furthermore, in this
specific implementation, an area of the cross section of the
passageway is greater than an area of the cross section of the
first tube so that the first tube can pass through the passageway
of the sleeve. Thus, the attachment mechanism and thus the tile can
be positioned anywhere along the first structural member (i.e.,
anywhere along the vertical axis of the first tube).
[0069] The description above describes merely one implementation of
the structural arrangement between the first end of the attachment
mechanism and the first structural member such that the first
structural member can be collapsed (i.e., collapsed towards the
rear side of the tile). In other implementations, other similar and
equivalent elements may be used or substituted.
[0070] For example, in another implementation, the first tube has a
passageway or channel which extends longitudinally through at least
a portion of the length of the first tube and through an end of the
first tube. The first tube includes a slot along an outer side of
the first tube and which is connected to the passageway. The slot
also extends longitudinally through at least a portion of the
length of the first tube and through the end of the first tube. The
first end of the attachment mechanism includes a rod (e.g., peg,
pin, dowel, or key) which can slide within (i.e., inside) the
passageway of the first tube. The attachment mechanism is placed
onto the first tube by aligning the open end of the tube with the
rod and sliding the rod and thus attachment mechanism along the
passageway.
[0071] In this specific implementation, the passageway of the first
tube and rod of the attachment mechanism have circular cross
sections or at least portions of a circular cross section so that
the first tube can rotate about the rod.
[0072] In this specific implementation, the first structural member
includes a second tube, parallel to the first tube. A web or
portions of a web spans between the first and second tubes to
connect the two tubes together. The sleeve includes a slot so that
the sleeve and thus the attachment mechanism can slide along the
first tube, i.e., along the vertical axis of the first tube, and
past the web joining the first and second tubes together. The
attachment mechanism and thus the tile can be positioned anywhere
along the first tube (or first structural member).
[0073] A display may thus be broken down into subassemblies each
including multiple display tiles and connected first structural
members. It may be advantageous to transport and store a display in
these sub assemblies rather than breaking it down into completely
separate tiles. Such subassemblies may be quicker to reassemble
than individual tiles while still remaining small enough for easy
handling. The invention illustrates a 2.times.2 array of tiles in
the subassembly but the invention is not so limited and the layout
and size of the subassemblies and choice of the number of tiles in
each subassembly may be determined by the user for optimal handling
in a particular situation.
[0074] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having
benefit of this invention, will appreciate that other embodiments
may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention
as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should
be limited only by the attached claims.
[0075] This description of the invention has been presented for the
purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described,
and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the
teaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order
to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
applications. This description will enable others skilled in the
art to best utilize and practice the invention in various
embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to a
particular use. The scope of the invention is defined by the
following claims.
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