U.S. patent application number 12/620148 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-19 for mobile displays and related methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to YOUNG ELECTRIC SIGN COMPANY. Invention is credited to Brent W. Brown, Clifford B. Brown, James B. Gover.
Application Number | 20110116232 12/620148 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43598438 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110116232 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Clifford B. ; et
al. |
May 19, 2011 |
MOBILE DISPLAYS AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
Mobile display apparatus and methods of operating mobile display
apparatus are disclosed. Mobile display apparatus include a
structure for attaching the display apparatus to a mobile structure
and at least one display module coupled to the structure. The
mobile display apparatus may include a ventilation feature. Methods
of operating mobile display apparatus include disposing a plurality
of removable display modules within a frame structure. A channel
may be formed between the plurality of removable display modules
and the frame structure and fluid may be forced through the channel
and at least partially across the plurality of removable display
modules.
Inventors: |
Brown; Clifford B.;
(Smithfield, UT) ; Brown; Brent W.; (Farmington,
UT) ; Gover; James B.; (Las Vegas, NV) |
Assignee: |
YOUNG ELECTRIC SIGN COMPANY
Salt Lake City
UT
|
Family ID: |
43598438 |
Appl. No.: |
12/620148 |
Filed: |
November 17, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/695 ;
361/690; 361/829 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 7/20972 20130101;
G09F 15/0012 20130101; G09F 9/33 20130101; G09F 21/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/695 ;
361/690; 361/829 |
International
Class: |
H05K 7/20 20060101
H05K007/20; H02B 1/01 20060101 H02B001/01 |
Claims
1. A mobile display apparatus, comprising: a first structure for
attaching the display apparatus to a mobile structure; at least one
display module coupled the first structure to form a channel
extending between the first structure and the at least one display
module, the at least one display module positioned and configured
to display at least a portion of an adaptable image; and a
ventilation system in communication with the channel.
2. The mobile display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a
display cover abutting a portion of the first structure, the
display cover and the first structure at least partially forming a
seal around the at least one display module.
3. The mobile display apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first
structure comprises: a cover retaining portion having a slot
receiving an edge portion of the display cover therein; a base
portion for attaching the display apparatus to a mobile structure;
and at least one gasket disposed between the cover retaining
portion and the base portion.
4. The mobile display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a
second structure coupled to the first structure to form the channel
extending between the first structure and the at least one display
module and wherein the at least one display module is coupled to
the second structure.
5. The mobile display apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least
one display module comprises at least one removable display module
and wherein the display apparatus further comprises a plurality of
coupling members detachably coupling the at least one removable
display module to the second structure.
6. The mobile display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ventilation
system comprises a fan in fluid communication with the channel
through an aperture formed in the first structure, the fan
configured to facilitate movement of a fluid through the
channel.
7. The mobile display apparatus of claim 6, wherein the ventilation
system further comprises a filter in fluid communication with the
channel through another aperture formed in the first structure, the
ventilation system configured to move a fluid through the filter
into the channel and to move a fluid from the channel to an exhaust
port formed in the ventilation system.
8. The mobile display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
structure is configured to attach the display apparatus to an
exterior surface of a mass transit vehicle.
9. The mobile display apparatus of claim 8, wherein the display
apparatus extends less than one inch outward from an exterior
surface of a mass transit vehicle.
10. The mobile display apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a
power supply operably coupled to the at least one display module,
the power supply connected to a power source of a mass transit
vehicle and configured to convey power to the at least one display
module from a power source of a mass transit vehicle.
11. A mobile display apparatus, comprising: a frame structure for
attaching the mobile display apparatus to a vehicle, comprising: a
cover retaining portion having a slot for receiving an edge portion
of a display cover; a base portion; and at least one gasket
disposed between the cover retaining portion and the base portion;
a support structure coupled to the base portion of the frame
structure; and at least one display module coupled to the support
structure, the at least one display module positioned and
configured to display at least a portion of an adaptable image,
wherein the cover retaining portion extends around the edge portion
of the display cover and wherein the display cover and the frame
structure substantially seal the at least one display module and
support structure within the frame structure.
12. The mobile display apparatus of claim 11, wherein the support
structure is coupled to the base portion of the frame structure to
form a channel extending between the frame structure and the
support structure and wherein the display apparatus further
comprises a ventilation feature coupled to the frame structure, the
ventilation feature in fluid communication with the channel through
at least one aperture formed in frame structure.
13. The mobile display apparatus of claim 11, wherein the display
cover and the cover retaining portion are removably coupled the
base structure.
14. The mobile display apparatus of claim 13, wherein the display
cover and the frame structure at least partially form a watertight
seal around the at least one display module and support
structure.
15. The mobile display apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least
one gasket comprises an inner gasket and an outer gasket, each of
the inner gasket and the outer gasket forming a seal between the
cover retaining portion and the base portion of the frame
structure.
16. A method of operating a mobile display apparatus, comprising:
disposing a plurality of removable display modules within a frame
structure; forming a channel between the plurality of removable
display modules and the frame structure; and forcing a fluid
through the channel and at least partially across the plurality of
removable display modules.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: coupling the
plurality of removable display modules to a support structure; and
coupling the support structure to the frame structure.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising removably coupling a
display cover to the frame structure.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising creating a pressure
within the channel of the display apparatus that is less than an
ambient pressure exterior to the display apparatus to apply a force
to an exterior surface of the display cover in a direction toward
the channel.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein removably coupling a display
cover to the frame structure further comprises: sealing the
plurality of removable display modules within the frame structure
with the display cover; and removing the display cover to allow
access the display modules within the frame structure.
21. The method of claim 16, powering the plurality of removable
display modules with an electrical system of a motor vehicle.
22. The method of claim 16, wherein forcing a fluid through the
channel and at least partially across the plurality of removable
display modules comprises: supplying a fluid through an aperture
formed on a first side of the frame structure; and removing a fluid
through another aperture formed on a second, opposing side of the
frame structure.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein supplying a fluid through an
aperture formed on a first side of the frame structure comprises
supplying a fluid through a filter in fluid communication with the
aperture and wherein removing the fluid through another aperture
formed on a second, opposing side of the frame structure comprises
removing a fluid with a fan in fluid communication with the another
aperture.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to displaying
images, and more specifically, to displaying images on electronic
display boards and electronic billboards coupled to a mobile
structure.
[0003] 2. State of the Art
[0004] Billboards (e.g., displays, signs, display boards,
advertising displays, etc.) have been used for many years to convey
information to a passerby such as advertising, traffic messages,
and the like. Billboards may be a permanently fixed structure such
as a stationary roadside billboard while other billboards may be
attached to a mobile structure such as a bus, train, automobile,
and other types of vehicles. Traditionally these signs and
billboards were only capable of delivering a single message or
advertisement. This message was generally in a printed medium and
was adhered to the billboard. To change the message, new paper
needed to be printed and adhered to the billboard.
[0005] More recently, stationary billboards have become electronic,
using lights, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and other electronic
devices to display visual content that can be easily adaptable to
display a wide variety of messages in the form of words and images
from the same sign without having to physically change the
characteristics of the sign. These electronic boards can easily
modify a graphic image or message to create video displays and
modify the type of message or advertisement that is shown on the
electronic board at regular intervals, or at targeted times
depending on expected traffic near the sign, or public interest.
These possible images are generally referred to herein as visual
content.
[0006] For conventional billboards, the visual content is delivered
to the physical location and affixed to the billboard. With
electronic displays, the visual content must still be delivered to
the physical location, but the content delivery may be performed
electronically. In addition, while traditional billboards may
display the same message for weeks or months at a time, electronic
displays enable the message to be changed easily and often. Thus,
it may be possible to modify the visual content many times in a
single day. Furthermore, electronic displays may be networked
together such that the displays may communicate with each other, or
with a central computer.
SUMMARY
[0007] In some embodiments, the present invention includes a mobile
display apparatus. The mobile display apparatus includes a first
structure for attaching the display apparatus to a mobile structure
and at least one display module coupled the first structure to form
a channel extending between the first structure and the at least
one display module. At least one display module may be positioned
and configured to display at least a portion of an adaptable image.
The mobile display apparatus may further include a ventilation
system in communication with the channel.
[0008] In additional embodiments, the present invention includes a
mobile display apparatus including a frame structure for attaching
the display apparatus to a vehicle. The frame structure includes a
cover retaining portion having a slot for receiving an edge portion
of a display cover, a base portion for attaching the display
apparatus to a vehicle, and at least one gasket disposed between
the cover retaining portion and the base portion. The mobile
display apparatus may further include a support structure coupled
to the base portion of the frame structure and at least one display
module coupled to the support structure. The at least one display
module may be positioned and configured to display at least a
portion of an adaptable image. The cover retaining portion may
extend around the edges of the display cover and the display cover
and the frame structure may substantially seal the at least one
display module and support structure within the frame
structure.
[0009] In yet additional embodiments, the present invention
includes a method of operating a mobile display apparatus. The
method includes disposing a plurality of removable display modules
within a frame structure, forming a channel between the plurality
of removable display modules and the frame structure, and forcing a
fluid through the channel and at least partially across the
plurality of removable display modules.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming that which is regarded as
embodiments of the present invention, the advantages of embodiments
of the invention may be more readily ascertained from the following
description of embodiments of the invention when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a display apparatus attached to a vehicle in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a display apparatus
including display modules attached to a support structure in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the display
apparatus in FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a display apparatus in accordance with yet
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the display
apparatus as indicated by section line 5-5 in FIG. 4;
[0016] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a
portion of the display apparatus in FIG. 5; and
[0017] FIG. 7 shows a display apparatus in accordance with yet
another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, a mobile display or billboard may be
attached to a structure such as, for example, a vehicle 200 (e.g.,
a motor vehicle, bus, subway, taxi, train, light rail, automobile,
truck, other mass transit vehicles, etc.). By way of example and
not limitation, a mobile display (e.g., a display apparatus 100)
may be attached to a side surface 202 of a mass transit vehicle 200
such as a bus.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a display apparatus 100
including display modules 102 attached to a support structure 104.
The display apparatus 100 may be comprised of a single display
module 102, or, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a display apparatus 100
may comprise a plurality of display modules 102 arranged in a
matrix organization. These display modules 102 may be arranged in a
variety of configurations for different applications. For example,
the matrix organization may include a single row of display modules
102 (or a single column of display modules 102) for creating a
narrow yet long display, which may be suitable for displaying
messages in a traveling ticker-tape type of arrangement. A small
number of display modules 102 may be used to create a relatively
small display apparatus 100, or a large number of display modules
102 may be arranged to create a relatively large display apparatus
100. By way of example and not limitation, a display apparatus 100
attached the side of a mass transit vehicle (e.g., a bus) may
include a matrix organization of display modules 102 in a
rectangular configuration. Additionally, using a plurality of
display modules 102 to form a larger display apparatus 100 may
allow for the easier maintenance, installation, and removal of the
display apparatus 100. For example, each display module 102 of the
display apparatus 100 may be readily removed and replaced, such as
by devices and methods described in U.S. Patent Publication No.
2007/0279314 A1, assigned to the assignee of the present invention,
incorporated in its entirety herein by this reference. The display
modules 102 of the display apparatus 100, such as described herein,
may be formed from a variety of materials including, but not
limited to, plastic, metal, composite materials (e.g.,
fiber-glass), etc.
[0020] The plurality of display modules 102 may be coupled to a
structure such as, for example, a support structure 104. It is
noted that while the embodiment of FIG. 2 illustrates the display
modules 102 coupled to the support structure 104, in some
embodiments, the display modules 102 may be coupled to the frame
structure 128 (FIG. 4). The support structure 104 may include a
plurality of support members 106 (e.g., horizontal members and
vertical members) and an outer rim 110. It is noted that while the
embodiment of FIG. 2 illustrates horizontal members and vertical
members, the support members 106 of the support structure 104 may
be in various orientations including, but not limited to, entirely
vertical or horizontal orientations, diagonal orientations,
combinations thereof, etc. Moreover, in some embodiments, the
support structure 104 may not include the outer rim 110. The
support members 106 and outer rim 110 may be integrally formed to
form an integral support structure 104. In other embodiments, the
support members 106 and the outer rim 110 may comprise discrete
elements coupled together to form the support structure 104.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the support members 106 extend
vertically and horizontally and are bounded by the outer rim 110.
Each display module 102 may be placed in a removable panel position
such that it abuts a neighboring display module 102 horizontally.
The display modules 102 also may be stacked vertically to form the
overall display apparatus 100 for presenting an adaptable image.
The overall display apparatus 100 may be configured to display an
adaptable image, such as, for example, a series of still images, or
a video image. In some embodiments, which include a plurality of
display modules 102, each display module 102 may be configured to
form only a relatively small portion of the overall adaptable
image.
[0022] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the display
apparatus in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, each display module 102
includes one or more pixel rows 112 comprising a plurality of pixel
arrangements 114 positioned and configured to display at least a
portion of an adaptable image. Each pixel row 112 may include a
plurality of pixel arrangements 114. For example, each pixel
arrangement 114 may include three light emitting diodes (LEDs), or
other suitable light emitting devices. The pixel arrangement 114
may connected to a circuit board 164 (FIG. 6) and may include a
lens disposed over the LEDs forming the pixel arrangements 114. In
some embodiments, the pixel arrangements 114 may be similar to
those described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0279314 A1
which, as discussed above, is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety. It is noted that while the display module 102 is
illustrated with a plurality of pixel rows 112; the display module
102 may also be formed having only a single pixel row 112. It is
further noted that other pixel arrangements 114 are contemplated
within the scope of the present invention. For example, a pixel
arrangement 114 may include a single light element or two light
elements such as, for example, LEDs. Such a configuration of one or
two LEDs may be used for a monochrome display, or may be configured
with multi-color LEDs for each pixel, such that a multi-color
display may be achieved even from a single LED for each pixel. In
some embodiments, the pixels of the pixel rows 112 may include
different discrete color sub-pixels for generating a merged pixel
that appears as almost any color in the visible spectrum. Different
colors may be merged to generate a color pixel. As a non-limiting
example, a common combination of discrete colors contains red,
green, and blue elements used to generate a merged color pixel. LED
display modules may merge the colors from red LEDs, green LEDs, and
blue LEDs to form color pixels. However, those of ordinary skill in
the art will recognize that other colors for the LEDs may be
used.
[0023] It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art
that the display modules 102 may be electrically coupled via any
suitable means such as, for example, by wires 118 (shown in FIGS. 4
and 5), data cables, power cables, fiber optic cables, etc. The
display modules 102 may be electrically coupled to a control unit
120 (e.g., power supply, electronics, processors, etc.) (shown in
FIG. 5) configured for controlling each of the display modules 102,
and each of the pixel arrangements 114 on each display modules 102.
For example, the control unit 120 (FIG. 5) may control operation of
one or more LEDs within each pixel arrangement 114. Many wiring
options may be possible, such as, for example, a serial connection
between all of the display modules 102 such that the display
modules 102 are essentially daisy-chained together. Furthermore,
many control unit configurations are possible for controlling the
pixels and defining what adaptable images, in the form of still
images or video, may be displayed on the display apparatus 100.
[0024] Each display module 102 may further include coupler holes
122 (e.g., four coupler holes) formed through the display module
102, as shown in FIG. 3. These coupler holes 122 may be configured
for receiving coupling devices 124 that may be used for coupling
the display modules 102 to the support members 106 of the display
apparatus 100. The coupler holes 122 may be located on side
portions of the display modules 102 and may independently secure
each display module 102 to the support members 106 of the support
structure 104 when receiving the coupling devices 124. Each display
module 102 may be individually installed and removed to for repair
or replacement without the need to remove the entire display
apparatus 100. Of course, additional embodiments of the display
modules 102 may include less than, or more than, the four coupler
holes 122 shown in FIG. 3. It is noted that while the embodiment of
FIG. 3 illustrates the display modules 102 having coupler holes 122
to receive the coupling devices 124, the coupling devices 124 may
also be formed as part of the display modules 102.
[0025] Referring still to FIG. 3, coupler holes 123 may be formed
through the support members 106 of the support structure 104. The
coupling devices 124 may be received within the coupler holes 123
of the support members 106 to attach the display modules 102 to the
support structure 104. The coupling devices 124 may be configured
such that when they are attached to the display modules 102 they
can be operated from the front of the display modules 102 for
attachment of the display modules 102 to the support structure 104.
The coupling devices 124 may be any suitable attachment device,
such as a screw, bolt, fastener, retainer, and the like. By way of
example and not limitation, if the coupling devices 124 are
operated by rotation, the coupling devices 124 may include a
screwdriver slot, a Phillips head slot, a square key, a hex key, a
star key, a hex head, a square head, a wing nut, etc. In some
embodiments, the coupling devices 124 may comprise a keyed
configuration having one or more flanges 126 (FIG. 6) extending
from each of the coupling devices 124 that is cooperative with keys
slots 121 formed in the coupler holes 123 of the support members
106. In such an embodiment, the coupling devices 124 may be secured
by rotating the coupling devices 124 a quarter turn to secure the
protrusions of the coupling device 124 in the coupler holes
123.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a display apparatus 100 having a support
structure 104 coupled with a structure (e.g., a frame structure
128) which may be attached to a mobile structure (e.g., the vehicle
200 (FIGS. 1 and 5)). As shown in FIG. 4, the outer rim 110 of the
support structure 104 may be coupled to the frame structure 128.
The frame structure 128 may include a cover retaining portion
(e.g., side members 130) and a rear portion (e.g., rear member
132). In some embodiments, the rear member 132 of the frame
structure 128 may be formed by a surface to which the frame
structure 128 is attached (e.g., a side surface 202 of the vehicle
200 shown in FIG. 5). In some embodiments, the support structure
104 may be coupled to the frame structure 128 by mounts 108 formed
in the support structure 104. For example, the mounts 108 may
comprise a recessed portion of the support members 106 of the
support structure 104 and may extend toward the rear member 132 of
the frame structure 128. The mounts 108 may include an aperture
formed therein for receiving an attachment device (e.g., a screw,
bolt, fastener, retainer, etc.) to couple the support structure 104
to the frame member 128.
[0027] As discussed above, each of the display modules 102 may
include a plurality of pixel arrangements 114 that may be connected
to a circuit board 164 (FIG. 6). The display modules 102 may each
include wires 118 that transmit data and power to each of the
display modules 102. Each of the display modules 102 may be
configured to couple with the wires 118 by, for example, a wiring
harness having a terminal or electrical connector. The wires 118
may extend from each of the display modules 102 through a wiring
aperture 134 formed in the frame structure 128 to the control unit
120 (FIG. 5).
[0028] The frame structure 128 may include additional apertures
that may facilitate ventilation of the display apparatus 100 (e.g.,
a ventilation outlet 136 and a ventilation inlet 138). The
ventilation outlet 136 and ventilation inlet 138 may be disposed on
side portions of the frame structure 128. For example, as shown in
FIG. 4, the ventilation outlet 136 may be disposed on a first side
portion of the frame structure 128 and the ventilation inlet 138
may be disposed on a second, opposing side portion of the frame
structure 128. It is noted that the ventilation outlet 136 and the
ventilation inlet 138 may be positioned at any location in the
frame structure 128 suitable to facilitate fluid flow across a
portion of the display modules 102. It is further noted that while
the embodiment of FIG. 4 illustrates the ventilation outlet 136 and
the ventilation inlet 138 as substantially circular apertures, the
ventilation outlet 136 and the ventilation inlet 138 may be any
suitable shape for moving a fluid (e.g., air) through the frame
structure 128. For example, the ventilation inlet and outlet may
comprise substantially rectangular apertures extending along
opposing sides of the frame structure 128.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 5, the outer rim 110 of the support
structure 104 may be coupled to the frame structure 128 so that the
support structure 104 is offset from the rear member 132 of the
frame structure 128. As discussed above, the support structure 104
may be coupled to the frame structure 128 by the mounts 108. In
some embodiments, the frame structure 128 may also include a
protrusion (e.g., mounts 116) extending from the rear member 132
toward the mounts 108 of the support structure 104. The mounts 108,
116 may abut each other and may both include an aperture formed
therein for receiving an attachment device to couple the support
structure 104 to the frame member 128.
[0030] The support structure 104 may be offset from the frame
structure 128 by a dimension D.sub.1 and may form a channel 140
between the support structure 104 and the frame structure 128. The
channel 140 may allow the wires 118 to be supplied to the display
apparatus 100 through the wiring aperture 134 formed in the rear
member 132 of the frame structure 128 and through a wiring conduit
135 coupled to the frame structure 128 proximate to the wiring
aperture 134. It is noted that while the embodiment of FIG. 5
illustrates a relatively small amount of wires 118 extending to the
display modules 102 for clarity, as understood by those of ordinary
skill in the art, a relatively larger amount of wires running to
each of the display modules 102 may be required to deliver power
and data to each of the display modules 102. Although the support
structure 104 may be offset from the frame structure 128 to form
the channel 140 therebetween, the display apparatus 100 may still
exhibit a dimension D.sub.2 (i.e., a distance the display apparatus
100 extends outward from the side surface 202 vehicle 200 from
which it is attached) may still be relatively small (e.g., less
than one inch (25.4 millimeters)).
[0031] The frame structure 128 of the display apparatus 100 may
also include a display cover 146. The display cover 146 may abut a
portion of the frame structure 128 (e.g., the side members 130).
The display cover 146 may protect the display modules 102 and other
components (e.g., the circuit board 164 (FIG. 6)) of the display
apparatus 100 from water, dirt, or other contaminates. The display
cover 146 may be formed from a transparent material (e.g., a
transparent polymer such as polycarbonate resin thermoplastic
marked commercially as LEXAN.RTM.) such that the display modules
102 may be viewed while being partially covered by the display
cover 146. In some embodiments, the display cover 146 may form a
seal with the frame structure 128. For example, the side members
130 of the frame structure 128 may receive side portions of the
display cover 146 in a slot 168 formed in the side members 130. In
some embodiments, the side members 130 may form a watertight seal
around the display cover 146. As shown in greater detail in FIG. 6,
one or more gaskets such as, for example, an inner gasket 151 and
outer gasket 152 may be disposed between the side members 130 and
the rear member 132. The inner gasket 151 and outer gasket 152 may
extend around the side members 130 of the frame structure 128 to
substantially seal the display apparatus 100. Stated in another
way, the rear member 132 may form a first portion of the frame
assembly 128 and the side members 130 and display cover 146 may
form a second portion of the frame assembly 128. The first portion
(i.e., the rear member 132) and the second portion (i.e., the side
members 130 and display cover 146) may be coupled together with the
gaskets 151, 152 disposed between the two portions to seal the
display modules 102 within the frame structure 128. In some
embodiments, the inner and outer gaskets 151, 152 disposed between
the side members 130 and the rear member 132 of the frame assembly
128 may form a substantially watertight seal around the display
modules 102 in the display apparatus 100.
[0032] Referring still to FIG. 6, a portion of the frame structure
128 may be removably coupled to the vehicle 200 (FIG. 5). For
example, the side members 130 and the display cover 146 may be
removably coupled to the rear member 132 of the frame structure 128
which is attached to the vehicle 200. Coupler devices 156 may be
configured with one or more flanges 158 such as, for example,
flanges 158 on opposite sides of the substantially cylindrical
coupler device 156. In attaching the side members 130 and the
display cover 146 to the rear member 132, the flanges 158 may be
aligned with key slots 160 in coupler holes 162 of the rear member
132 of the frame structure 128. After aligning the flanges 158 with
the key slots 160, about a quarter turn of the coupler devices 156
in a first direction will fasten the side members 130 and the
display cover 146 to the rear member 132 by the flanges 158 being
seated against a surface of the rear member 132. After attachment,
about a quarter turn of the coupler devices 156 in a second
direction will align the flanges 158 on the coupler devices 156
with the key slots 160 such that the side members 130 and the
display cover 146 may be enabled for removal. With the coupler
devices 156 operated for removal, the side members 130 and the
display cover 146 may be pulled free from the rear member 132. Once
the side members 130 and the display cover 146 are removed, the
display modules 102 may be accessed for repair, replacement,
maintenance, etc.
[0033] As discussed above, the coupler devices 124 may couple the
display modules 102 to the support structure 104. The coupler
devices 124 may be configured with one or more flanges 126 such as,
for example, flanges 126 on opposite sides of the substantially
cylindrical coupler device 124. In attaching the display modules
102 to the support structure 104, the flanges 126 may be aligned
with key slots 121 (FIG. 3) in the coupler holes 123 of the support
structure 104. After aligning the flanges 126 and placing the
coupler devices 124 inside the coupler holes 123, about a quarter
turn of the coupler devices 124 in a first direction will fasten
the display modules 102 to the support structure 104 by the flanges
126 being seated against the back side of the support structure 104
or, as shown in FIG. 6, the flanges 126 may be received in a
receiver member 166 attached to the support structure 104. After
attachment, about a quarter turn of the coupler devices 124 in a
second direction will align the flanges 126 on the coupler devices
124 with the key slots 121 (FIG. 3) in the coupler holes 123 such
that the display module 102 is enabled for removal.
[0034] Referring back to FIG. 5, the display apparatus 100 may
further include additional gaskets 153 formed around the each of
the wiring aperture 134, the ventilation outlet 136, and the
ventilation inlet 138 formed in the frame structure 128 to
substantially seal surfaces of the display apparatus 100 proximate
to each of the wiring aperture 134, the ventilation outlet 136, and
the ventilation inlet 138 against an abutting surface of the
vehicle 200. The gaskets 151, 152, 153 may be formed from a
material such as, for example, fiber, paper, rubber, silicone,
metal, cork, felt, neoprene, rubber, fiberglass, polymers, etc.
[0035] As further shown in FIG. 5, each of the wiring aperture 134,
the ventilation outlet 136, and the ventilation inlet 138 formed in
the frame structure 128 may have a conduit attached to the frame
structure 128 proximate to the respective aperture. For example,
the wiring aperture 134 may have the wiring conduit 135 attached
the frame structure 128 proximate to the wiring aperture 134. The
wires 118 may pass from the display modules 102 through the wiring
aperture 134 and through the wiring conduit 135 to the control unit
120. The wiring conduit 135 may comprise any suitable material or
structure, such as, for example, a tubing (e.g., flexible tubing,
rigid pipe, etc.) comprising a polymer, vinyl, metal, composite,
etc. In some embodiments, the wiring conduit 135 may act to protect
the wires 118 passing therethrough. In such an embodiment, the
wires 118 may pass through portions of the vehicle 200 (e.g., from
the exterior to the interior of the vehicle 200) and may be
protected and isolated by the wiring conduit 135.
[0036] The ventilation outlet 136 and the ventilation inlet 138 may
have a ventilation outlet conduit 137 and a ventilation inlet
conduit 139 attached the frame structure 128 proximate to the
ventilation outlet 136 and the ventilation inlet 138, respectively.
The ventilation outlet conduit 137 and the ventilation inlet
conduit 139 may comprise any suitable material or structure, such
as, for example, a tubing (e.g., flexible tubing, rigid pipe, etc.)
comprising a polymer, vinyl, metal, composite, etc. One or both of
the ventilation outlet conduit 137 and the ventilation inlet
conduit 139 may connect a ventilation feature (e.g., a fan, vacuum,
blower, etc.) to form a ventilation system that may force a fluid
into or out of the display apparatus 100. For example, the
ventilation outlet conduit 137 may connect to a fan 144 (e.g., a
vacuum) in fluid communication with the channel 140. The fan 144
may create a suction force moving a fluid (e.g., air) from the
channel 140 through the ventilation outlet 136. The fan 144 may
transfer fluid from the channel 140 formed in the display apparatus
100 through the ventilation outlet 136 and the ventilation outlet
conduit 137 to the fan 144 and may release the fluid at an exhaust
port 150 formed in the fan 144. It is noted that while the
embodiment of FIG. 5 illustrates the fan 144 and the control unit
120 located in the same housing, the fan 144 and the control unit
120 may be provided in separate housings.
[0037] The ventilation inlet conduit 139 may be connected to the
frame structure 128 proximate to the ventilation inlet 138 and may
supply fluid to the display apparatus 100. For example, the
ventilation inlet conduit 139 may be connected to a filter 142
(e.g., an air filter) and may be in fluid communication with the
channel 140. The ventilation inlet conduit 139 may transfer fluid
through the filter 142 and into the channel 140 formed in the
display apparatus 100. The ventilation inlet conduit 139 and the
filter 142 may be utilized in unison with the ventilation outlet
conduit 137 and the fan 144 to transfer fluid through the channel
140 of the display apparatus 100. A fluid flow path may extend from
the filter 142 through the ventilation inlet conduit 139 to the
channel 140 and through the ventilation outlet conduit 137 to the
exhaust port 150. Such flow or movement of fluid may dissipate heat
(externally or internally generated) in the display apparatus 100
and cool the display modules 102 (i.e., fluid may transfer heat
from the electronic components of the display modules 102 as it
moves through the channel 140).
[0038] The flow of fluid through the channel 140 may also act to
support the distal components of the display apparatus 100 (i.e.,
the components furthest away from the point of attachment of the
display apparatus 100 to the vehicle 200). For example, the flow of
fluid through the channel 140 may form a pressure differential
(i.e., the pressure in the channel 140 may be less than an ambient
pressure exterior to the display apparatus 100) that may tend to
hold the display cover 146 proximate to the side surface 202 of the
vehicle 200 (e.g., prevent the display cover 146 from bowing in a
direction away from the vehicle 200). Stated in another way, the
greater pressure exterior to the display apparatus 100 and display
cover 146 may apply a force to the exterior surface of the display
cover 146 (i.e., the surface of the display cover 146 exterior to
the display apparatus 100) in a direction toward the side surface
202 of the vehicle 200 (i.e., in a direction toward the channel
140). Holding the display cover 146 proximate to the side surface
202 of the vehicle 200 may prevent deformation of the display cover
146 as it is subjected to forces caused by the movement of the
vehicle 200 and other external forces. The flow of fluid through
the channel 140 may also act to inhibit condensation from gathering
in the interior of the display apparatus 100.
[0039] It is noted that while the embodiment of FIG. 5 illustrates
the ventilation outlet conduit 137 having a length longer than the
ventilation inlet conduit 139 and extending further into the
interior of the vehicle 200 than the ventilation inlet conduit 139,
in some embodiments, the length of the ventilation inlet conduit
139 may be similar to, or longer than, the ventilation outlet
conduit 137. It is also noted that while the embodiment of FIG. 5
illustrates the ventilation outlet conduit 137 and the ventilation
inlet conduit 139 extending into the interior of the vehicle 200,
the ventilation system may not include the ventilation outlet
conduit 137 and the ventilation inlet conduit 139. For example, the
fan 144 and the filter 142 may coupled directly to the ventilation
outlet and inlet 136, 138. In yet other embodiments, the frame
structure 128 may be enlarged to house at least one of the fan 144
and the filter 142. In additional embodiments, the ventilation
system may not include a filter.
[0040] Referring still to FIG. 5, the display apparatus 100 may
further include a power supply 148 configured to supply electrical
power to the display modules 102 or to components of the display
modules 102 (e.g., the LEDs) through the wires 118. The wires 118
may extend from the display modules 102 through the channel 140 and
the wiring conduit 135 to the power supply 148. In some
embodiments, the power supply 148 may connected to an external
power source 154 such as, for example, an electrical system of the
vehicle 200. For example, the display apparatus 100 and power
supply 148 may be coupled to the interior vehicle 200 and may be
connected to the power supply (e.g., a 24-volt power supply) of the
vehicle 200. The electronics (e.g., the circuit board 164 (FIG. 6))
of the display modules 102 may be configured to operate on or
convert a 24-volt source supplied by the electrical system of the
vehicle 200. In some embodiments, the power supply 148 may include
a converter to convert the 24-volt power supplied by the electrical
system of the vehicle 200 to 12 volts that may be utilized to the
power the electronics of the display modules 102. In other
embodiments, the power supply 148 may not be connected to an
external power source and may include a power source integral with
the display apparatus 100 (e.g., batteries, solar power source,
etc.). Again, it is noted that while the embodiment of FIG. 5
illustrates the power supply 148 located in the same housing as the
fan 144 and the control unit 120, the power supply 148 may be
provided in a separate housing.
[0041] FIG. 7 shows a display apparatus in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the
display apparatus 300 may include one or more display modules 102,
mounts 308 for coupling a support structure 304 to a frame
structure 328, and coupler holes 323 for coupling the display
modules 102 to the support structure 304. The support structure 304
may be configured to hold a plurality of display modules 102 (e.g.,
forty display modules). The display apparatus 300 may be
dimensioned (e.g., about 2.5 feet (0.762 meter) in height and 12
feet (3.657 meters) in length) to fit on the side of a mass transit
vehicle (e.g., a bus). The frame structure 328 of the display
apparatus 300 may include side members 330 similar to the side
members 130 described with reference to FIG. 6 and may also include
corner members 331 that may seal the corners of the frame structure
328 and the display apparatus 300.
[0042] In view of the above, embodiments of the present invention
may be particularly useful in providing a mobile display for
vehicles such as a mass transit vehicle. The display may be mounted
to the side surface of the mass transit vehicle and may have a
relatively small width such that the display has a relatively low
profile on the side of the vehicle. A ventilation feature or system
may cool the electrical components of the display. The fluid
movement provided by the ventilation may also act to hold the
display cover proximate to the side surface of the vehicle and
prevent the display cover from deforming due to the movement of the
vehicle. The frame structure may also protect the display and
facilitate the ventilation system by sealing the display and
preventing containments (e.g., water, dirt, etc.) from damaging the
display during its operation on a moving vehicle. The frame
structure may also include a removable portion that may facilitate
easy access to the display modules as compared to other display
devices. Moreover, the removable display modules may enable damaged
modules to be easily repaired and replaced as compared to other
display devices.
[0043] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to particular embodiments, the invention is not limited
to these described embodiments. Rather, the invention is limited
only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, which
include within their scope all equivalent devices or methods that
operate according to the principles of the invention as
described.
* * * * *