AU2010241256B2

AU2010241256B2 - Display Apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2010241256B2
Application number: AU2010241256A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Graham Rodier Gibbs
Original assignee: Rodier Advertising 1986 Ltd
Current assignee: Rodier Advertising 1986 Ltd
Priority date: 2003-08-18
Filing date: 2010-11-05
Publication date: 2012-05-03
Anticipated expiration: 2024-08-18
Also published as: AU2010241256A1; AU2004203897A1; NZ527697A

Abstract

- 18 A display apparatus for selectively receiving indicia carrying substrates, the apparatus comprising; an indicia carrying substrate support means and a backing means. The indicia canying substrate support means includes a quadrilateral 5 shaped frame. The indicia carrying substrate is to be carried by the frame. Also provided is a rigid clamping sheet, biased by at least one biasing means of the indicia carrying substrate support means towards the frame yet allowing the clamping sheet to he pressed away from the frame so that the indicia carrying substrate can be selectively captured between the clamping sheet and the clamping 10 rim. The indicia carrying substrate support means is hinged with backing means t be rotatable relative to the backing means and movable between a first position and a second position. The backing means includes a means to hold which when the indicia carrying substrate support means and the backing means are in the first position, hold the clamping sheet relative to the clamping rim to thereby prevent the 15 movement of the clamping sheet in the direction opposite to the direction of bias. When the carrying substrate support means and the backing means are in the second position being a position where the carrying substrate support means and the backing means are rotated away from each other the means to hold is released from holding the clamping sheet.

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT, 1990 FOR A STANDARD PATENT ORIGINAL Name of Applicant: RODIER ADVERTISING (1986) LIMITED AciLal 1jiventors: GRAHAM RODIER GIBBS Address for service A J PARK, Level 11, 60 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT in Australia: 2601, Australia InvenLion Title: DISPLAY Y A PPARAT'US The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me.

-2 FIELD OF TIIE INVENTION The present invention relates to a display apparatus. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Display apparatus for presenting billboards or menu boards or similar are in 5 extensive use. Such commonly comprise of a fixed structure which defines a frame within the bounds of which an image carrying substrate can be engaged for presentation by the device. For displays provided in a public areas., considerations in addition to the ability for the display to present the image in a useful condition include such factors 10 as vandalism and weather resistance. It is accordingly normal to find the image carrying substrate provided within a casing of the display. Frequently such casing will consist of a body structure with which a movable frame structure is engaged the frame structure carrying with it a pane of elcar plastic or glass behind which and within the cavity of such, the image carrying substrate will be positioned. In such a 15 manner the image carrying substrate cannot be removed without first opening the frame which will normally be locked in a closed condition. Rubber seals between the frame and the structure of the display and between the pane of glass and the frame will thereby also Cnsure that the unit is weather proof. Weather proofing is often a requirement particularly where the display is used outdoors and includes 20 back lighting. However the provision of a glass pane to enclose the image carrying substrate is an expensive mode of securcmcnt. By vandalism the glass is often damaged or broken. The entire pane of glass will then need to be replaced which is costly and can also be time consuming in order to re-establish the weather proof seal between the glass pane and the frame. In addition it can also be time 25 consuming to remove and replace an image carrying substrate within the structure of the display. This may particularly so where during one day one or two exchanges of image carrying substrates need to occur as for example is often required at fast food outlets. Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a display 30 apparatus which addresses the abovementioned disadvantages or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Accordingly in a lirst aspect the present invention consists In a display apparatus for selectively receiving indicia carrying substrates, said apparatus comprising; 5 an indicia carrying substrate support means and a backing means, said indicia carrying substrate support means including (a) a quadrilateral shaped frame of top, sides and bottom perimeter members to define a border about the indicia carrying substrate to be carried by said indicia carrying substrate support means, said frane presenting a clamping rim 10 (continuous or not) parallel to the plane of said frame (b) at least one substantially rigid clamping sheet. biased by at least one biasing means of said indicia carrying substrate support means towards said clamping rim yet allowing said clamping sheet to be pressed away from at least part of said clamping rim in a direction opposite to the direction of bias wherein part of a 15 said indicia carrying substrate can be selectively captured between said clamping sheet and said clamping rim to become retained with said display apparatus, and wherein said indicia carrying substrate support means is hinged with said backing means to be rotatable relative to said backing means and movable between a first position and a second position 20 said backing means including a means to hold which when said indicia carrying substrate support means and said backing means are in said first position, hold said clamping sheet relative to said clamping rii to thereby prevent the movement of said clamping sheet in said direction opposite to the direction of bias and wherein when said carrying substrate support means and said backing means 25 are in said second position being a position where said carrying substrate support means and said backing means are rotated away from each other said means to hold is released from holding said clamping sheet Preferably at least one pairing of said top and bottom members or said side members include means to define said clamping rim. 30 Preferably each said top and bottom members and said side members include means to define said clamping rim.

-4 Preferably said clamping rim is a planar surface or surfaces directed substantially normal to the direction of bias. Preferably said backing Imeans is hinged to said support means by a hinge with a vertical axis of rotation, 5 Preferably said backing means is hinged to said support means by a hinge with a horizontal axis of rotation. Preferably said backing means and said support means arc engaged to each other at one perimeter side of each via said hinge. Preferably said backing means is substantially of the same size as the backing 10 means when viewed in a direction normal to said plane of said frame. Preferably said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the clamping sheet in said first condition at least at two diametrically opposed regions corresponding to the frame. Preferably said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be 15 engagable against the clamping sheet in said first condition at least at two perimeter members. Preferably said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the clarnping sheet in said first condition at least at two opposed perimeter members. 20 Preferably said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the clamping sheet in said first condition at least at three perimeter members. Preferably said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the clamping sheet in said first condition at all perimeter 25 members. Preferably said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the clamping sheet in said first condition at the entire perimeter of said clamping sheet. Preferably said means to hold is a flange. 30 Preferably said indicia carrying substrate to be clamped at said clamping rim is clamped at a perimeter region thereof.

Preferably said clamping sheet is displacably biased from a part of said fraie. Preferably said rigid clamping sheet is biased towards said clamping region or regions by at least one spring. Preferably said spring is a leaf spring. 5 Preferably said spring is a helical spring Preferably said at least one clamping region is at least one surface directed substantially normal to the biasing force of said at least one biasing means. Preferably said at least one surface is an internal perimeter flange of said at least one perimeter member. 10 Preferably said perimeter members define a square or rectangular border for said indicia carrying substrate. Preferably each of said perimeter member includes a said clamping region. Preferably said clamping rim or region of each said component are disposed from each of their respective component to provide an endless internal perimeter 15 flange of said frame. Preferably said clamping sheet is of a translucent material. Preferably means to back light said indicia carrying substrate is provided. Preferably said display apparatus is engaged to a means to mount which allows for pivotal support of said display apparatus from a structure about a 20 horizontal or vertical axis. Preferably said means to mount allows for support of said display apparatus to said structure and to allow at least substantially 180 degrees of rotadon. Preferably said display apparatus is secured to another display apparatus substantially as herein described, such that the display of two of said indicia 25 carrying substrates are each in substantially diametrically opposed directions. Preferably said backing means and said support means form in said first condition and enclosure. Preferably said enclosure includes back lighting means to allow the backlighting to said indicia carrying substrate, -6 In a further aspect the present invention consists in a menu display means for selectively receiving menu information carrying substrates, said display means comprising; an menu information carrying substrate support means and a backing means. 5 said indicia carrying substrate support means including (a) a quadrilateral shaped frame of top, sides and bottom perimeter members to define a border about the indicia carrying substrate to be carried by said indicia carrying substrate support means, said frame presenting a clamping rim (continuous or not) parallel to the plane of said frame 10 (b) at least one substantially rigid clamping sheet, biased by at least one biasing means of said indicia carrying substrate support means towards said clamping rim yet allowing said clamping sheet to be pressed away from at least part of said clamping rim in a direction opposite to the direction of bias wherein part of a said indicia carrying substrate can be selectively captured between said clamping 15 sheet and said clamping rim to become retained with said display apparatus, and wherein said indicia carrying substrate support means is hinged with said backing means to be rotatable relative to said backing means and movable between a first position and a second position said backing means including a means to hold which when said indicia 20 carrying substrate support means and said backing means are in said first position, hold said clamping sheet relative to said clamping rim to thereby prevent the movement of said clamping sheet in said direction opposite to the direction of bias and wherein when said carrying substrate support means and said backing means are in said second position being a position where said carrying substrate support 25 means and said backing means are rotated away from each other said means to hold is released from holding said clarnping sheet. This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, 30 elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have -7 known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred form of the invention will now be described with reference to the 5 drawing in which: Figure I is a perspective view of a display apparatus of the present invention. Figure 2 is a front view of a display apparatus of the present invention, Figure 3 is a side view of a display apparatus ol the present invention, Figure 4-5 illustrate the display apparatus (a two sided version) of the present 10 invention mounted from a support structure to allow rotation of the display apparatus, Figure 6 is a side view of a three sided display, Figure 7 is a perspective view of a partially assembled display apparatus of the present invention, 15 Figure 8 is a partially assembled sectional view through section AA of Figure 7, Figure 9 is a fully assembled view of the display apparatus through section AA of Figure 7, Figure 10 is a close up sectional view in respect of the region for clamping the 20 signage, Figure 11 illustrates the signage being loaded into the display apparatus, Figure 12 is a sectional view through part of a display apparatus in more detail, and Figures 13-15 illustrate the conponents of the display apparatus shown in 25 Figure 12 in different conditions of rotation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A display such as for example shown in Figure 1 may incorporate many of the aspects of our earlier patent NZ504716 the entire contents is hereby incorporated by way of cross reference. 30 In a broad sense the present invention consists of a frame with which an indicia carrying substrate such as a signage substrate can be selectively located.

-8 The display device preferably provides one frame region for selectively receiving and displaying a single sheet of removable indicia however with reference to figure 2. there is provided at least one and preferably three, (1, 2, 3). Preferably such are provided in a side by side relationship. The frame allows for three separate indicia 5 carrying substrates to be separately and selectively removable and/or clampable by the said frames. The or each frame includes top and bottom and side components preferably predominantly of extruded alum inlm.n In the most preferred form. the display devices is also preferably double sided wherein the at least one frame (1,2.3) is substantially repeated in a 10 diametrically opposed viewing directions of the display device as frames (1', 2', 3'). Figure 6 shows a three sided version. The device is preferably mounted to a support bracket 4. and with reference to figures 4 and 5 such a support bracket may locate the display device to a wall or ceiling or alternatively a floor or counter top or other suitable mounting surface. The support of the display device by the support bracket 15 is preferably a pivotable support allowing the pivoting of the device through at least 180' to allow one or the other sides of the preferred form of the display device to be viewed from a suitable direction. The removable indica carrying or signage substrates which may be secured to the display device may for example carry merchandise information such as 20 product and/or price information or inenu information which may for example be commonly found in fast food outlets or the like. Sonie fast food outlets cater for different menus at different limes of [he day and to allow for convenient removal and replacement of product information to display the products which are appropriately for sale at certain times of the day, the 25 devise of the present invention allows for easy removal and replacement of such information carried on indicia carrying substrates. In the most preferred form the signage substrate is preferably of a flexible sheet material and is preferably of a translucent nature. The device of the present invention is preferably back lit, and with the materials between the back lighting 30 and the indicia carrying substrates being such as to allow light to pass there through, illumination of the product information is able to be achieved.

- 9 The signage substrates may for example be a screen printed sheet material or otherwise printed sheet material and may preferably have a laminated or some other form of structure which provides some degree of rigidity to the substrate. In a preferred form the display device consists of a frame 81. The frame 5 provides a clamping region 7 which in conjunction with a clamping means 9 which is biased by a biasing means 8 towards the clamping region 7. a region where at least one area of the signage substrate can be clamped to the frame is provided. The clamping region 7 is preferably a flange or rim which has a. surface directed towards and preferably normal towards the clamping force direction of the biasing menus 8. 10 The clamping region 7 is preferably provided so as to provide a clamping force to substantially the entire perimeter of the signage substrate. The clamping means 9 may be of a sheet material which is of substantially the same or similar size to the signage substrate, or may alternatively be merely of a shape which provides sufficient area between the biasing means and the clamping region 7. Where in the 15 preferred form the clamping force is provided to substantially the entire perimeter region of the signage substrate, the shape of the clamping means 9 is preferably at least of a continuous rim shaped member substantially complementary with the perimeter shape of the indicia carrying substrate. However in the preferred form the clamping means 9 is of a surface area 20 which extends substantially and entirely behind the preferred endless flange providing member 10 of the clamping region 7 and covers the area defined within the frame and it acts also as a backing member for the substrate. The insertion, for clamping, of the indicia carrying substrate, and with reference to figure 11. can hence be achieved by depressing the clamping means 9 so as it moves away from an 25 engaged condition with the clamping region 7 and to allow for the indica carrying substrate II to be inserted for clamping between the clamping region and the clamping means. For convenient operation it is preferable that the clamping means is of a single sheet for each of the regions of the device to receive an indica carrying substrate. With the suitable location of a sufficient number of biasing means 8 to 30 bias the clamping mears 9 towards the clamping region, it can be appreciated that - 10 insertion of an indica carrying substrate with the frame can be conveniently and easily achieved. Where back lighting is preferred, such is preferably achieved by a lighting means 12 which may for example be a fluorescent or incandescent lighting means. 5 Fluorescent lighting means is preferred but it will be appreciated that alternative sources or light may be used. Where the clamping means 9 is of a preferred form which is substantially similar in area to the indica carrying means, and where back lighting is provided, the sheet material of the clamping means 9 is preferably of a translucent nature. In an alternative however the clamping means 9 may be 10 provided with apertures therein in regions where an increased intensity of lighting is to be or may be projected from the device. The biasing means 8 are preferably leaf springs which are provided from the frame 81 on the other side of the clamping means to where the signage substrate is to be provided. The biasing means are preferably presented from the frame in a 15 suitable manner and with reference to figures 12-15, these are preferably presented from the frame on a flange 13 which extends inwardly from the frame defining means. The frame may he made in a sheet material such as a metal which is preferably powder coated or otherwise coloured. The frame is separate from that portion of the 20 device which provides the lighting means. The frame may be made of an aluminium or other metal which is extruded to an appropriate shape to provide the flanged region 10 and other features which are desired or necessary. The device may in other embodiments consist of a three or four sided (in 25 sectional view) means providing three or four indicia carrying display directions. Such may be rotatable to display in a suitable viewing direction to display information to customers, such that at least one indicia carrying display region is able to be conveniently used. In order to ensure that the signage substrate I 1 remains engaged with the 30 display apparatus a means to hold 80 is provided which will hold the clamping sheet 9 against the clamping region or rim 10 when the display apparatus is in a display - I I mode. In the most preferred form of the present invention the signage substrate I 1 is carried by a support means 81 which is hinged by a hinge member 82, to a backing means 83 as shown in Figures 12-1 5. In normal use, the backing means 83 is the foundational member of the display apparatus and the support means which 5 includes the frame members 81 rotates relative to the foundational member 83. With reference to Figure 1, the foundational member 83 is a backing or structural support member to the support means 81 which carries the signage substrate. The foundational member 83 is preferably of a form which defines a cavity 85. The foundational member is for example of a same size (when viewed in plan view 10 normal to the plane of the frame) as the support means 81. The foundational member or also referred to as backing 83 presents preferably fixed relative thereto, the means to hold 80 in a manner such that when the support means 81 is in a rotational condition relative to the backing 83 where the cavity 85 is substantially enclosed by the support means 81, the means to hold 80 engages against the 15 clamping sheet 9 and thereby makes redundant, the biasing spring 8 which becomes inoperative in allowing the displacement of the clamping sheet 8 for the purposes of releasing the signage substrate 11, The means to hold 80 presses the clamping sheet against the clamping rim or region 10 and prevents the clamping sheet from displacing in the direction opposite to the bias provided by the spring 8 and thereby 20 locking the signage substrate in place preventing its movement. In order to allow for the signage substrate to be removed the support means needs to be rotated to a second condition such as for as example shown in any one of Figures 13-15 which is a position wherein the support means and the backing means are rotated away from each other. Thereby a release of the means to hold 80 from the clamping sheet 25 occurs and the biasing spring 8 becomes operative in all owing the clamping sheet to displace away from the clamping rim and thereby allow for the signage substrate 11 to be removed and/or replaced and substituted. Rubber sealing strips 87 can be utilised to ensure that the enclosure between the support member 81 and the backing 83 is water tight to ensure that no rain water 30 can enter into the cavity and make contact with the electrics or electronics inside of the cavity.

- 12 A lock or means to hold the support means 81 and the backing 83 in the Frst closed condition, preferably provided and may be standard arrangements of locking. A key may be utilised to open the lock for security purposes. A durable material for the clamping substrate 9 may be used such as a 5 polycarbonate sheet. Indeed the signage substrate may be captured between two polycarbonate substrates the first being the clamping sheet 9 and another positioned on the exterior of the clamping suhstrate and the signage substrate. The covering polycarbonate sheet may then also be manoeuvrcd along with the signage substrate to be clamped with the device of the present invention. 10

Claims

1. A display apparatus for selectively receiving an indicia carrying substrate, said apparatus comprising; an indicia carrying substrate support means and a backing means, 5 said indicia carrying substrate support means including (a) a quadrilateral shaped frame of top, sides and bottom perimeter members to define a border about the indicia carrying substrate to be carried by said indicia carrying substrate support means, said frame presenting a clamping rim (continuous or not) parallel to the plane of said frame, 10 (b) at least one substantially rigid clamping sheet, biased by at least one biasing means of said indicia carrying substrate support means towards said clamping rim, yet allowing said clamping sheet to be pressed away from at least part of said clamping rim in a direction opposite to the direction of bias, wherein part of said indicia carrying substrate can be selectively captured between said 15 clamping sheet and said clamping rim to become retained with said display apparatus, and wherein said indicia carrying substrate support means is hinged with said backing means to be rotatable relative to said backing means and movable between a first position and a second position, 20 said backing means including a means to hold, which when said indicia carrying substrate support means and said backing means are in said first position, can hold said clamping sheet relative to said clamping rim to thereby prevent the movement of said clamping sheet in said direction opposite to the direction of bias and wherein when said carrying substrate support means and said backing means 25 are in said second position being a position where said carrying substrate support means and said backing means are rotated away from each other, said means to hold is released from holding said clamping sheet.

2. A display apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said clamping rim is a planar surface or surfaces located in a plane to which the direction of bias is 30 substantially normal to. - 14

3. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 2 wherein said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the clamping sheet in said first condition at least at two opposed regions corresponding to the frame. 5

4. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the clamping sheet in said first condition at least at two perimeter members selected from said top, sides and bottom perimeter members.

5. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said 10 backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the clamping sheet in said first condition at each of said top, sides and bottom perimeter members.

6. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the 15 clamping sheet in said first condition at the entire perimeter of said clamping sheet.

7. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said clamping rim is shaped and configured so that said indicia carrying substrate to be clamped at said clamping rim is clamped at a perimeter region thereof.

8. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said rigid 20 clamping sheet is biased towards said clamping region or regions by at least one spring.

9. A display apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said spring is a leaf spring.

10. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said at 25 least one clamping region is at least one surface directed substantially normal to the biasing force of said at least one biasing means.

11. A display apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said at least one surface is an internal perimeter flange of said at least one perimeter member.

12. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein said 30 perimeter members define a square or rectangular border for said indicia carrying substrate. - 15

13. A display apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of said perimeter member includes a said clamping region.

14. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein said clamping sheet is of a translucent material. 5

15. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein means to back light said indicia carrying substrate is provided.

16. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said display apparatus is engaged to a means to mount which allows for pivotal support of said display apparatus from a structure about a horizontal or vertical axis. 10

17. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein said backing means and said support means form, in said first condition, an enclosure.

18. A display apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein said enclosure includes back lighting means to allow said indicia carrying substrate to be backlit.