U.S. patent application number 13/543034 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-12 for flexible screen deployment system.
This patent application is currently assigned to TAIT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Adam DAVIS, Frederic Frank OPSOMER. Invention is credited to Adam DAVIS, Frederic Frank OPSOMER.
Application Number | 20130232833 13/543034 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45954244 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130232833 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DAVIS; Adam ; et
al. |
September 12, 2013 |
FLEXIBLE SCREEN DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM
Abstract
A display system, a display process, and an engagement device
are disclosed. The display system includes a first display
arrangement and a second display arrangement in close proximity to
the first flexible display arrangement. The first display
arrangement and the second display arrangement are simultaneously
deployable between an extended position and a retracted
position.
Inventors: |
DAVIS; Adam; (Leola, PA)
; OPSOMER; Frederic Frank; (Kortemark, BE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DAVIS; Adam
OPSOMER; Frederic Frank |
Leola
Kortemark |
PA |
US
BE |
|
|
Assignee: |
; TAIT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Warrdamme
BE
|
Family ID: |
45954244 |
Appl. No.: |
13/543034 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
40/600 ;
40/601 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 19/22 20130101;
Y10T 29/49002 20150115; G09F 19/226 20130101; G09F 9/33
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
40/600 ;
40/601 |
International
Class: |
G09F 7/00 20060101
G09F007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 9, 2012 |
BE |
2012/0156 |
Claims
1. A display system, comprising: a first flexible display
arrangement deployable between an extended position and a retracted
position; and a second flexible display arrangement in close
proximity to the first flexible display arrangement, the second
flexible display arrangement deployable between an extended
position and a retracted position; wherein the first flexible
display arrangement and the second flexible display arrangement are
simultaneously deployable between the extended position and the
retracted position.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first flexible display
arrangement and the second flexible display arrangement are
selectably engaged by an engagement device when the first flexible
display arrangement and the second flexible display arrangement are
located in at least a partially extended position.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the engagement device includes at
least one magnet.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one magnet is an
electromagnet.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the engagement device is a
mechanical device.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a first collection
container to receive at least a first flexible display arrangement
when the at least first flexible display arrangement is deployed
toward the retracted position.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a first collection
container to receive the first flexible display arrangement when
the first flexible display arrangement is deployed toward the
retracted position, and a second collection container to receive a
second flexible display arrangement when the second flexible
display arrangement is deployed toward the retracted position.
8. The system of claim 8, wherein the first collection container
and the second collection container are interconnected.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein the first collection container
and the second collection container are interconnected in a
staggered arrangement.
10. The system of claim 7, wherein the first collection container
and the second collection container each include an alignment
device.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the
alignment device of the second collection container is usable with
the alignment device of the first collection container.
12. The system of claim 7, wherein the first collection container
and the second collection container each include a collection
device.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the collection device is
gravity fed.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the collection device includes
a plurality of dividers.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of dividers are
selectably movable.
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the collection device rotatably
collects the display arrangement.
17. The system of claim 15, further comprises a separator having a
separator material providing a spacing between at least a portion
of the rotatably collected display arrangement.
18. The system of claim 12, wherein the collection device includes
an oscillating guide that alternately arranges substantially
horizontally disposed portions of the collected display arrangement
inside the collection device.
19. A method for deployment of the display system, comprising:
providing a first flexible display arrangement deployable between
an extended position and a retracted position, a second flexible
display arrangement in close proximity to the first flexible
display arrangement, the second flexible display arrangement
deployable between an extended position and a retracted position;
simultaneously deploying the first flexible display arrangement and
the second flexible display arrangement between the extended
position and the retracted position.
20. An engagement device configured to selectably engage a first
flexible display arrangement to a second flexible display
arrangement, the engagement device comprising: an engagement
feature capable of adjusting a relative position of the first
flexible display arrangement in comparison to the second flexible
display arrangement, thereby permitting simultaneous deployment of
the first flexible display arrangement and the second flexible
display arrangement between an extended position and a retracted
position.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to displays and processes of
erecting and disassembling displays. More specifically, the present
invention relates to simultaneous deployment of flexible displays,
processes, and engagement devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the performance industry, video displays are used in
conjunction with multi-media systems utilized in productions. Video
displays can be limited in size due to the complexity of arranging
the video displays and/or due to the issues associated with weight
distribution.
[0003] When being used as part of a touring production, video
displays are often consolidated and stored for transportation.
Known systems are rigid and require significant time for arranging
(for example, consolidating, disassembling, and assembling). The
video displays may be assembled by individuals of varying level of
skill. The arranging of these video displays may require complex
diagrams, may require several tools, and may be difficult to repair
or replace.
[0004] In addition to limiting methods of arranging the video
displays, rigidity may prevent aesthetic benefits associated with
flexibility. Known systems do not adequately provide
three-dimensional displays of two-dimensional videos and do not
adequately permit rotation of displays. Also, known systems do not
adequately permit video displays to be flexibly manipulated,
rotated and/or otherwise simultaneously deployed between an
extended position and a retracted position.
[0005] When video displays are partially assembled or fully
assembled, inconsistent and/or undesired weight distribution can
limit the size of the video displays. If the weight distribution
puts stress on connectors in the video display, then the connectors
can fail. Failure of connectors may result in failure of the video
display.
[0006] Therefore, there is an unmet need to provide a display
system, a display process and engagement feature capable of
consistent simple and/or strong assembly that can be simultaneously
deployed between an extended position and a retracted position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, a display system includes a
first flexible display arrangement deployable between an extended
position and a retracted position. A second flexible display
arrangement is in close proximity to the first flexible display
arrangement, the second flexible display arrangement deployable
between an extended position and a retracted position. The first
flexible display arrangement and the second flexible display
arrangement are simultaneously deployable between the extended
position and the retracted position.
[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, a method for deployment of
the display system includes providing a first flexible display
arrangement deployable between an extended position and a retracted
position, a second flexible display arrangement in close proximity
to the first flexible display arrangement, the second flexible
display arrangement deployable between an extended position and a
retracted position. The method further includes simultaneously
deploying the first flexible display arrangement and the second
flexible display arrangement between the extended position and the
retracted position.
[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, an engagement device is
configured to selectably engage a first flexible display
arrangement to a second flexible display arrangement. The
engagement device includes an engagement feature capable of
adjusting a relative position of the first flexible display
arrangement in comparison to the second flexible display
arrangement, thereby permitting simultaneous deployment of the
first flexible display arrangement and the second flexible display
arrangement between an extended position and a retracted
position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a video display system.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the exemplary embodiment
of a video display system of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an elevation view of the exemplary
embodiment of a video display system of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of the exemplary embodiment
of a video display system of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial perspective view of the
exemplary embodiment of a video display system of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates an enlarged partial perspective view of
the exemplary embodiment of a video display system of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a partial perspective view of the
exemplary embodiment of a collection container.
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged partial perspective view of
the exemplary embodiment of a video display system of FIG. 7.
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a further enlarged partial perspective
view of the exemplary embodiment of a video display system of FIG.
8 with a flexible display arrangement in a retracted position.
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a deployment arrangement of a flexible display
arrangement of a video display system.
[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary
embodiment of a deployment arrangement of a flexible display
arrangement of a video display system.
[0021] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used
throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Provided is a display system, a display process for
deploying the display system, and an engagement device capable of
consistent simple and/or strong assembly. Embodiments of the
present disclosure decrease the number and type of tools required
for assembly, permit the ability to have flexible display
arrangements capable of being simultaneously deployed between an
extended position and a retracted position while retaining the
desired display characteristics, permit selectable distribution of
weight allowing the flexible display to provide an assembled set of
display components that is large, permit flexible displays to
extend tens or hundreds of feet in multiple dimensions, permit the
reduction or elimination of the need for vertical supports within
display devices thereby significantly reducing the weight of the
overall system, permit a faster and/or more accurate assembly,
permit assembly by personnel having little or no technical skill,
and combinations thereof.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a display system 100 (shown as a
video display system) includes a flexible support 103, a first
display arrangement or first flexible display arrangement 101 and a
second display arrangement or second flexible display arrangement
102 of display system 100 detachably engaged to flexible support
103, and an engagement device 110 for selectably engaging first
flexible display arrangement 101 and second flexible display
arrangement 102. The display system 100 is any suitable display.
Suitable displays include videos, electronic media, lights, panels
of lights, mirrors, paintings, printings, faux surfaces, temporary
wall surfaces, temporary borders, and combinations thereof. The
arrangement of system 100 can provide selective distribution of
weight of the display arrangements (display arrangements 101, 102,
104 shown in FIG. 1). Flexible display arrangements 101, 102 (and
other similarly situated display arrangements of display system
100) are capable of being simultaneously deployed between an
extended position 106 and a retracted position 108 (FIG. 9).
[0024] Flexible support 103 can be a cable or cables configured to
enable system 100 to be suspended from an architectural member (not
shown). As shown in the figures, while flexible support 103 is
being described as a cable or cables, the disclosure is not so
limited. Flexible support 103 may be any elongate, flexible
structure capable of bearing significant weight. For example,
suitable flexible supports 103 may include, but are not limited to,
flexible tapes, ropes, wires, other suitable flexible structures,
or combinations thereof. The architectural member may be a steel
beam, an existing stage system, another cable, a bridge, a wall, a
telephone post, a trestle, a truss, other suitable type of
architectural system, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment,
flexible support 103 can be two weight-bearing cables suspended
from the architectural member. Weight-bearing cables can be
arranged such that flexible display device or flexible display
arrangement 101, for example panels or other suitable light
emitting devices, may be suspended from the architectural member.
Flexible support 103 may be attached to the architectural member in
any suitable manner. In an exemplary embodiment, flexible support
103 may be high strength cables capable of supporting the weight of
panels and any additional equipment or components below the
architectural member. In one embodiment, although not so limited,
the cable is aircraft grade cable having an outer diameter of about
1/8 inch. As shown in an exemplary embodiment, flexible support 103
extends to an end connector 114 secured to a structural member 112
having a connector or structural fitting 116 (FIG. 6) that can then
be connected to the architectural member.
[0025] As further shown in FIGS. 2, and 5-6, first flexible display
arrangement 101 can include a plurality of strips 120 of
interconnected display segments 118 secured by flexible support
103. Strips 120 may extend continuously from a first end 122 in
close proximity to end connector 114 located at or near the top of
the first flexible display arrangement 101 to a second end 124
positioned at or near the bottom of the first flexible display
arrangement. However as shown in the figures, strip portions 128
may be secured between secondary structural members 126 extending
essentially the entire width of first flexible display arrangement
101, providing improved support and structural stability, and
reducing the amount of flexure and "flapping" of strip 120 in an
extended position 106, such as in response to wind.
[0026] In another embodiment, flexible support 103 may include
power and/or signal functionality. For example, flexible support
103 may be one or more communication and/or power providing cables,
such as fiber-optic or copper-based wires or cables, or Ethernet
cables. The use of flexible support 103 can reduce the amount of
weight in the system by removing bulky structural support systems
like intermediate trusses. In addition, the use of flexible support
103 can permit flexibility for additional display options, such as
rotating, bending, rounding, or flapping. For example, a rounded
visual display may be formed using flexible support 103. In
addition, the ability for flexible support 103 to curve can permit
a display of a fixed image in motion, such as a flag appearing to
wave in the wind. In another embodiment, system 100 can be moved by
the motor or other device thereby creating a three-dimensional
effect of the displayed image.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, flexible support 103 may be wires, such
as power cords, run along-side cables and connected to a controller
(not shown). In one embodiment, the wires and the cables may be
integrated. In another embodiment, the wires may be integrated by
being circumferentially bounded by cables thereby forming flexible
support 103. In another embodiment, wires may act as flexible
support 103.
[0028] In one embodiment, the flexible display arrangements may be
powered by individual batteries housed with LEDs or other light
sources. In another embodiment, LED can have a battery power source
and another LED can use the battery as a power source by having
wires carrying power from other LEDs.
[0029] Another embodiment includes OLEDs as LEDs. OLEDs may reduce
power requirements and permit longer operation on the same charge.
OLEDs may permit the flexible display arrangements to run on the
same charge for a long period of time, for example, by providing
power to the OLEDs and then disconnecting the power source from the
OLEDs, and then displaying the system.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1, and 5-6, for purposes including, but
not limited to additional structural stability, such as reduced
flapping when in the extended position 106, adjacent flexible
display arrangements 101, 102 may be selectably engaged to each
other by an engagement device 110 having an engagement feature. As
shown in the figures, engagement device 110 is located at or near
an end of secondary structural members 126. However, in other
embodiments, corresponding engagement devices 110 of adjacent
flexible display arrangements 101, 102 may be positioned between
secondary structural members 126. In another embodiment, engagement
device 110 may include an engagement feature having at least one
magnet to secure the engagement device to either another
corresponding engagement device having a corresponding engagement
feature, or a different corresponding engagement device having an
engagement feature such as a ferromagnetic material associated with
an adjacent flexible display arrangement. In yet another
embodiment, engagement device 110 may include an engagement feature
that is a mechanical device capable of engaging a feature
associated with an adjacent flexible display arrangement. The term
mechanical device includes, but is not limited to, mechanical
linkages, and/or apparatus including electromechanical devices,
hydromechanical devices, magnets and/or electromagnets, valves,
springs, pneumatically controlled devices and any combination
thereof that permits selectable engagement/disengagement between
adjacent flexible display arrangements. Such
engagement/disengagement can be performed manually or performed
automatically via controls of the display system. In yet a further
embodiment, engagement/disengagement can be performed for a single
engagement device or any number of engagement devices between
adjacent flexible display arrangements.
[0031] Engagement devices 110 may further include or be positioned
in close proximity to a second engagement device 130 for engaging a
collection container, such as a first collection container 132.
First collection container 132 is configured for receiving first
flexible display arrangement 101 upon deployment of the first
flexible display arrangement from an extended position 106 (FIG. 5)
toward a retracted position 108 (FIG. 9). Similarly a second
collection container 134 is configured for receiving second
flexible display arrangement 102, positioned in close proximity to
first flexible display arrangement 101, upon deployment of the
second flexible display arrangement toward a retracted position 108
(FIG. 9). In another embodiment, first collection container 132 may
be configured to receive first flexible display arrangement 101 and
at least a portion of second flexible display arrangement 102. In
an exemplary embodiment, each of first flexible display arrangement
101, second flexible display arrangement 102 and other similarly
situated display arrangements are configured for simultaneous
deployment between extended position 106 and retracted position
108. In one embodiment, simultaneous deployment is represented by
each flexible display arrangement moving in a synchronous fashion
with respect to one another between the extended position and the
retracted position. However, in other embodiments, in which one or
more flexible display arrangement has a total length different from
at least one other flexible display arrangement, simultaneous
deployment may be represented by each flexible display arrangement
moving in a proportionally synchronous fashion with respect to one
another between the extended position and a retracted position.
However in yet other embodiments, depending upon the effect
desired, simultaneous deployment may be represented by movement of
the flexible display arrangements in a predetermined sequence,
direction, and/or deployment velocity of one or more flexible
display arrangements, such as may occur as part of a performance of
a professional entertainer.
[0032] System 100 of the present disclosure permits easy assembly
and disassembly, enhancing portability of the system. That is, as
shown in FIGS. 2-4, the display system includes flexible display
arrangements 101, 102, 104, 105, 107 that may be simultaneously
deployed (raised and/or lowered) from/into respective collection
containers 132, 134, 135, 156, 157. And other embodiments, the
number of flexible display arrangements and respective collection
containers may each be greater than or less than five. By virtue of
such simultaneous deployment of the flexible display arrangements,
less time and fewer personnel are required to assemble and
disassemble display system 100.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, collection containers 132, 134, 135,
156, 157 are interconnected to each other by alignment devices so
that the collection containers are positioned in a staggered
arrangement. In another embodiment, the collection containers can
be aligned with each other. As further shown in FIG. 7, third
collection container 135 has a base 136 for supporting an outwardly
extending framework 138. Framework 138 includes an extension
framework 160A at or near one end of framework 138 and an extension
framework 160B at or near an opposite and a framework 138. In one
embodiment, extension frameworks 160A, 160B may be detachable from
framework 138, if desired, to reduce the size of third collection
container 135, such as during manufacture of the container.
Extension framework 160A includes a first alignment device 142 and
extension framework 160B includes a second alignment device 144. As
further shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, fourth collection container 156
(not shown in FIG. 7) includes a second alignment device 148 having
an interconnection region 150 for engaging extension framework 160B
of third collection container 135. The facing surfaces of alignment
devices 144, 148 define a V-shaped alignment feature subtending an
angle 140. Similarly, as further shown in FIG. 7, second collection
container 134 includes a first alignment device 146 having an
interconnection region (not shown in FIG. 7) for engaging extension
framework 160A of third collection container 135. The facing
surfaces of alignment devices 142, 146 define a V-shaped alignment
feature subtending an angle 140 that is aligned with the V-shaped
alignment feature defined by the facing surfaces of alignment
devices 144, 148. As further shown in FIG. 7, the alignment devices
are identical or substantially similar to each other to reduce
manufacturing costs. In other embodiments, the alignment devices
may be different from each other. The size of the angle 140 formed
between the facing surfaces of corresponding alignment devices can
be about 90.degree., although in other embodiments, the size of
angle 140 can be greater than or less than 90.degree.. Angle 140
defining the V-shaped alignment feature is utilized to receive
second end 124 of third flexible display arrangement 104, which
also corresponds to secondary structural member 126, as the
flexible display arrangement is deployed between extended position
106 (FIG. 3) and retracted position 108 (FIG. 9).
[0034] As further shown in FIGS. 7-9, deployment of system 100 from
extended position 106 (FIG. 3) toward retracted position 108 (FIG.
9) is achieved as second end 124 of third flexible display
arrangement 104 is lowered (the other flexible display arrangements
being simultaneously lowered, but not shown in FIGS. 7-9) such as
by a motor or winding mechanism (not shown), and guided by the
V-shaped alignment features or angles 140 into third collection
container 135. Upon the sufficient lowering of third flexible
display arrangement 104, the V-shaped alignment features or angles
140 defined by alignment devices 142, 146 and 144, 148 guide second
end 124 of third flexible display arrangement 104 having an
engagement device 110 including engagement features toward and into
contact with a collection device 152. More specifically, such as
further shown FIG. 6, engagement device 110 includes a second
engagement device 130 extending outwardly from flexible display
arrangement 101 (which is similar to flexible display arrangement
104). As further shown in FIG. 6, engagement device 130 includes a
shaft 133 connected at one end to engagement device 110 and
securing an engagement member 139 at or near the other end of
engagement device 130, such as a wheel that is rotatable about the
axis defined by shaft 133. In another embodiment, engagement member
139 is not required, and in another embodiment, engagement member
139 is not a wheel, but a member that does not rotate, about the
axis of shaft 133. For example, engagement member 139 may slide
along the surface of collection device 152, instead of rotating
about the axis of shaft 133. As yet further shown in FIG. 6, a
spacer 137 extends outwardly from shaft 133, and its function will
be described in further detail below.
[0035] It is to be understood that engagement device 110 may
incorporate engagement features previously discussed pertaining to
engagement device 130. In addition, in other embodiments, the
engagement features.
[0036] As further shown in FIGS. 7-9, the engagement features, such
as engagement member 139 of engagement device 130 of third flexible
display arrangement 104 are guided by the alignment devices into
contact with collection device 152, such as a pair of sloped
structural members, which include but are not limited to angle
members. As third flexible display arrangement 104 is further
lowered with respect to third collection container 135, by force of
gravity, engagement members 139 contact and begin to guidingly move
along the sloped surfaces of the corresponding collection devices
152 toward a stop 154 (FIG. 8) positioned at or near the lower end
of the collection devices 152. As previously discussed, relative
movement of engagement members 139 along corresponding collection
devices 152 may occur by virtue of a rolling or a sliding contact
therebetween. As previously discussed, engagement features of
engagement device 110 can include any combination of mechanical
devices and the like, including, but not limited to other types of
features, such as magnets for engagement/disengagement between
adjacent flexible display arrangements prior to deployment of the
flexible display arrangements. Additionally, such engagement
features of engagement device 110 may be manually or automatically
controlled in various exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure. In additional embodiments, engagement features may
include retractable features such that the engagement device may be
removed from view of the casual observer, i.e., rotate behind the
flexible display arrangement, axially retract or other means of
retraction In another embodiment, the engagement features may be of
sufficiently small size so that retraction or removal by another
method is not required. It is to be understood that if engagement
features between adjacent flexible display arrangements are
utilized, those engagement features must be disengaged prior to
loading the flexible display arrangements into adjacent collection
containers (assuming that the adjacent flexible display arrangement
cannot be loaded into the same collection container).
[0037] Further referring to FIGS. 7-9, in response to engagement
device 110 contacting stop 154 of collection device 152 and yet
further lowering of third flexible display arrangement 104, strip
portions 128 begin to form a loop 129 (FIG. 9). Upon loop 129
achieving sufficient "droop", the loop 129 contacts a divider 164
intruding inwardly from framework 138 of third collection container
135. Divider 164 separates and helps protect adjacent loops 129 of
strip portions 128 that are collected inside of third collection
container 135 as third flexible display arrangement 104 is further
lowered into third collection container 135. As further in shown
FIG. 9, a loop 129 is fully formed when engagement devices 110 of
adjacent secondary structural members 126 are brought into contact
with corresponding collection devices 152. If properly sized and/or
adjusted, adjacent loops 129 are separated by adjacent dividers
164. For example a spacer 137 (FIG. 6) may be used to control the
spacing between adjacent secondary structural members 126, although
other features of engagement devices 110 may also be used for this
purpose. Another embodiment, dividers 164 are movable as required
to separate adjacent loops 129. By separating adjacent loops 129 in
the collection containers, the flexible display arrangement is less
susceptible to damage during transportation/storage of the
containers. Once secondary structural member 126 corresponding to
first end 122 is brought into contact with collection device 152
and disconnected from structural member 112 (FIG. 6), the flexible
display arrangement is now in retracted position 108.
[0038] It is to be understood that by reconnecting structural
member 112 with the secondary structural member 126 corresponding
to first end 122 (FIG. 6), and raising the secondary structural
member 126, the flexible display arrangement can be deployed from
the retracted position 108 toward the extended position 106.
Further, for any position of the flexible display arrangement
between retracted position 108 and extended position 106, a
reversal of the direction of movement of the flexible display
arrangement with respect to the respective collection container
similarly results in a reversal of deployment direction between a
retracted position 108 and the extended position 106.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 10, an alternate embodiment of collection
device 252 is discussed for deploying into/from collection
container 235. Collection device 252 includes a motor 166 secured
inside of collection container 235 that urges a pulley 167 into
rotational movement about an axis. Pulley 167 meshes with a pulley
169 via a belt 168, and in response to a rotational movement 170 of
pulley 167, pulley 169 is similarly urged into similar movement, as
is a shaft 172 that is secured to pulley 169. In response to
rotational movement 170 in one direction, third flexible display
arrangement 104 is rotatably collected about shaft 172 in a
rotational movement 176 inside of collection container 235, the
strip portion 128 of third flexible display arrangement 104 that
has been rotatably collected is identified as rotatably collected
display arrangement 256. Optionally, motor 166 rotatably drives a
shaft 174 having a pulley 180 at or near one end of shaft 174 that
is opposite of motor 166. A pair of bases 182 rotatably secure a
shaft 184 therebetween. One end of shaft 184 is securely connected
to a pulley 181 that is in meshing contact with pulley 180 via a
belt 183. In response to driven rotational movement of shaft 174,
shaft 184 is urged into rotational movement 178. A sheet of
material 186 wrapped around shaft 184 and is also secured to shaft
172. As a result, in response to the third flexible display
arrangement 104 being rotatably collected about shaft 172 inside of
collection container 235, material 186 is simultaneously being
rotatably collected about shaft 172, material 186 providing a
protective layer between adjacent layers of rotatably collected
display arrangement 256. Conversely, in response to deployment of
the third flexible display arrangement 104 about shaft 172 from
collection container 235, i.e., the third flexible display
arrangement 104 being deployed toward the extended position 106,
material 186 is simultaneously unrolled from shaft 172 and rolled
onto shaft 184.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 11, a further alternate embodiment of
collection device 349 is discussed for deploying the third flexible
display arrangement 104 into/from collection container 335.
Collection device 349 includes a motor 340 secured inside of
collection container 335 that urges a pair of pulleys 346 into
rotational movement about shaft 342. Pulleys 346 each mesh with a
pulley 347 (only one pulley 347 shown in FIG. 11) rotatably secured
by support framework 338 of collection container 335 via a
respective belt 348, and in response to a rotational movement 344
of pulleys 346, pulleys 347 are similarly urged into similar
movement. An oscillating guide 350 secures a pair of guide rods 354
and a spacing between the guide rods 354 sufficient for the third
flexible display arrangement 104 to pass between the guide rods
354. Each of opposed ends of oscillating guide 350 are secured to a
belt 348, such that rotational movement 344 about shaft 342
controls the position of the oscillating guide 350. In coordinated
response to deployment of the third flexible display arrangement
104 into/out of collection container 335 by the system (not shown),
motor 340 urges shaft 342 into rotational movement 344 to similarly
urge pulleys 346 into rotational movement, resulting in alternating
axial movement directions 352 of belt 348. When the third flexible
display arrangement 104 is deployed toward a retracted position
108, in combination with collection device 349 operated as
described above, the resulting collected third flexible display
arrangement 356 accumulates in alternately arranged substantially
horizontally disposed rows inside of collection container 335.
Conversely when the third flexible display arrangement 104 is
deployed toward an extended position 106, in combination with
collection device 349 operated as described above, the resulting
collected third flexible display arrangement 356 is incrementally
removed from inside of collection container 335. Optionally (not
shown) two protective material layers could be applied to protect
each side of collected third flexible display arrangement 356,
dispensed in a manner similar to that previously discussed with
respect to FIG. 10. It is to be understood that two protective
material layers are required, instead of the one protective
material layer as disclosed in FIG. 9, due to the arrangement of
the collected third flexible display arrangement 356.
[0041] While the invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
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