AU2013100875A4 - A display device - Google Patents

Abstract

A display device 10 including a support structure 100 that supports a display area in the form of a screen 900. The support structure 100 including a main structure and extension members 400. The extension members 400 include a footing in the form of an adjustable stand 430. The adjustable stand 430 is adapted to engage with a surface adjacent the display device. The extension member 400 is configured to vary the distance between the adjustable stand 430 and a central longitudinal axis 12 of the display device 10. 720 500 --- >510- 100 Figure 1

Description

P/00/012 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Invention Title: "A DISPLAY DEVICE" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to melus: -1 A DISPLAY DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a display device. In particular, the invention relates, but is not limited, to a display device including a support structure with an extension member that supports a screen. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere. [0003] Information is commonly conveyed to the public in a number of ways, including through the use of a printed sign or an electronic screen. The advantage of using an electronic screen, compared to a printed sign, is that the information may be updated quickly and easily on the screen. However, the initial costs of a screen, compared to a printed sign, are higher. Furthermore, providing power to the screen in certain locations may be difficult. For example, mains power may not be able to be provided to the screen in a remote location. In this situation, a generator may be used; however, labour and maintenance costs are incurred in ensuring that the generator remains in operation. In particular, the fuel level of the generator needs to be monitored and when necessary, the fuel tank needs to be refilled. [0004] Both printed signs and electronic screens are typically supported by a structure. These structures may take a variety of forms. For example, a sign or a screen may be supported by a pedestal stand. Supporting a larger sign or screen logically requires a larger support structure for stability. Accordingly, larger signs or screens are not easily adapted to being transported due to the larger required supporting structure. [0005] However, more recently, larger signs or screens have been attached to trailers in order to make them mobile. Whilst this allows a larger -2 sign or screen to be transported, a vehicle is required to tow the sign or screen. As such, if a number of large signs or screens need to be transported, either multiple trips or multiple cars are required. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION [0006] It is an aim of this invention to provide a screen stand which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative. [0007] Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0008] In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a display device, the display device including: a display area; and a support structure to support the display area, the support structure including an extension member with a footing; wherein the footing is adapted to engage with a surface adjacent the display device and the extension member is configured to vary the distance between the footing and a central longitudinal axis of the display device. [0009] Preferably, the support structure includes a main structure that is adapted to telescopically receive the extension member. Alternatively, the extension member may be adapted to be pivotally connected to the main structure. [0010] Preferably, the main structure includes an upper support structure and a lower support structure. Preferably, the upper support structure and lower support structure are adapted to telescopically receive the extension member.

-3 [0011] Preferably, the display area is screen. Alternatively, or in addition, the display area is a sign. Preferably, the display area is adapted to move between a lower position and an upper position. [0012] Preferably, the footing is an adjustable stand. Preferably, the adjustable stand is adapted to move from a retracted position to an extended position. [0013] Preferably, the display device includes a body with a storage compartment. Preferably, the storage compartment is a fluid storage compartment. Alternatively, or in addition, the storage compartment is a battery storage compartment. Preferably, the body is located within the confines of the main structure. [0014] Preferably, the display device includes a power source that provides power to the screen. Preferably, the power source includes a power generation unit and a power storage system. Preferably, the power source supplies power to the power storage system. Preferably, the power source includes a wind turbine and/or a solar panel. Preferably, the power storage system is in the form of a battery which supplies power to the screen. Alternatively, or in addition, the power source includes a power connector that supplies power to the screen and/or the power storage system. [0015] In another form the invention resides in a method of using a display device, the method including the steps of: positioning the display device at a location, the display device including one or more extension members with a footing; moving the one or more extension members such that distance between the footing and a central longitudinal axis of the display device is varied; and engaging the footing with a surface adjacent to the display device. [0016] Preferably, the one or more extension members move in a direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the display device.

-4 Alternatively, the extension members pivot relative to the central longitudinal axis. [0017] Preferably, the method includes extending a display area of the display device from a lower position to an upper position. [0018] Preferably, the display device includes a body with a fluid container and the method further includes filling up the fluid container with a fluid. [0019] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0020] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: [0021] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a display device in a deployed configuration according to an embodiment of the invention; and [0022] Figure 2 is an isometric view of a lower structure of the display device in Figure 1; [0023] Figure 3 is an isometric view of an upper structure of the display device in Figure 1; and [0024] Figure 4 is an isometric view of the display device illustrated in Figure 1 in a retracted configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0025] Figure 1 illustrates a display device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The display device 10 includes a support structure 100, a vertical support 500, a body 600, a power source 700 and a display area in the form of an electronic screen 900. A central longitudinal axis 12 extends through the display device 10.

-5 [0026] The support structure 100 includes a main structure and extension members 400. The main structure includes a lower structure 200 and an upper structure 300. The lower structure 200 according to an embodiment of this invention is also shown in Figure 2. The lower structure 200 includes a number of lower guide members 210. The lower guide members 210 are connected together to form a substantially square structure. The arrangement of the guide members 210 is such that the projection from the ends of one lower guide member 210 does not intersect with the sidewalls of another guide member 210. The lower structure 200 also includes two channel sections 220 which are connected between two guide members 210. [0027] The upper structure 300 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 3. Similar to the lower structure 200, the upper structure 300 includes a number of upper guiding members 310. The upper guiding members 310 are arranged in the same manner as the lower guiding members 210. Attached to the upper guiding members 310 is a pyramidal structure. At the upper junction of this pyramidal structure is a connector 320. The connector 320 is located along the central longitudinal axis 12 and includes a flange 322. [0028] The extension members 400, as shown in Figure 1, each include arm members 410, a connecting plate 420 and a footing in the form of an adjustable stand 430. At one end of the arm members 410, the connecting plate 420 connects the arm members 410 together. The adjustable stand 430 is connected to the connecting plate 420. [0029] In this embodiment the extension members 400 are received telescopically into the main structure. That is, the arm members 410 connect the lower and upper structures 200, 300 together by being telescopically received into the lower and upper guiding members 210, 310. The telescopic connection between the arm members 410 and the lower and upper guiding members 210, 310 allows the extension members 400 to slide from a retracted position to an extended position.

-6 [0030] However, it would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that a number of alternative embodiments may be implemented to allow the extension members 400 to extend and retract relative to the central longitudinal axis 12. For example, the extension members 400 may pivot from a retracted position to an extended position off the main structure. Alternatively, a number of extension members 400 may be adapted to be telescopically connected together, allowing them to expand and contract relative to the main structure. [0031] The vertical support 500 includes vertical member 510, a flange 520 and a hinge plate 530. The flange 520 is attached part way along the vertical member 510. The flange 520 is biased towards an end of the vertical member 510. The hinge plate 530 is connected to the other end of vertical member 510. The vertical member 510 is received into the connector 320 such that flange 322 abuts flange 520. Flange 322 and flange 520 may be connected together with means such as fasteners, to further secure the vertical support 500 to the support structure 100. [0032] The body 600 shown in figure 1 is substantially hollow and includes a number of compartments such as a battery storage compartment and a fluid storage compartment. In this embodiment, the upper half of the body 600 is pyramidal in shape whilst the lower half of the body is substantially square with chamfered corners. The upper pyramidal shape of the body 600 includes a junction with an opening 610. The connector 320 of the upper support structure 300 is received into this opening 610. The body 600 is located within the confines of the main structure. Preferably, the body 600 is made from plastic. [0033] The power source 700 includes a power generation unit in the form of a wind turbine 720 and/or solar panels 740, a power connector and a power storage system in the form of a battery. The wind turbine 720 is connected on the top of the display area in this embodiment. The solar panels are attached to the angled pyramidal faces of the upper half of the body 600.

-7 [0034] As previously mentioned, the display area in this embodiment is in the form of an electronic screen 900. However, it would be appreciated that the display area may be a sign with printed or written information. Connected to the bottom of the electronic screen 900 is a hinged plate 910. The hinged plate 910 is connected to the hinge plate 530 via a pin. This allows the electronic screen 900 to pivot from a lower position to an upper position. In both the upper and lower position, the electronic screen 900 may be secured such that it is prevented from pivoting until it is released. [0035] Figure 1 shows the display device 10 during use. The extension members 400 are in their extended position such that the adjustable stands 430 are further from the central longitudinal axis 12 compared to their retracted position in Figure 4. The adjustable stands 430 are adjusted such that they engage with a surface, such as the ground, adjacent to the display device 10. The fluid compartment of the body 600 has been filled with fluid, typically water, adding further weight to the body 600. The electronic screen 900 has been pivoted to its upper position. [0036] The power source 700 may provide power to the electronic screen 900 in a variety of ways. For example, the power generation unit may charge the battery which in turn provides power to the electronic screen 900. The power connector may be connected to an external power source, such as a generator or mains power, which charges the battery, allowing the battery to provide power to the electronic screen 900. Alternatively, the power from the power connector may be connected directly to the electronic screen 900. [0037] Figure 4 shows the display device 10 in a retracted state, possibly for transport or storage purposes. In this retracted state, the adjustable stands 430 have been retracted such that they no longer engage with the ground around the display device 10. The extension members 400 have been withdrawn into their retracted position decreasing the foot print or area over which the extendible structure 100 extends. Accordingly, the main structure is only engaging with the ground around the display device 10. The electronic screen 900 has been pivoted to its lower position, decreasing the -8 height of the display device 10. The water in the fluid compartment has also been released decreasing the weight of the display device 10. [0038] To move the display devicel0, a number of methods may be used. For example, a lifting apparatus may be attached directly to the support structure 100 in order to lift and move the display device 10. Alternatively, to lift the display device 10, a forklift may for instance, insert its tynes into the channel sections 220 allowing it to lift and transport the display device 10. [0039] The stability of the support structure 100 is increased as the adjustable stands 430 engage with the ground further away from the central longitudinal axis 12 of the display device 10. Accordingly, the display device 10 is less likely to roll and/or pitch over due to an external force, such as the wind. This allows a larger electronic screen 900 to be supported by the display device 10. In addition, this added stability allows the electronic screen 900 to be supported at a greater vertical height. This can be advantageous for viewing the electronic screen 900, particularly in a crowd. [0040] On the other hand, when the extension members 400 are in their retracted position, reducing the footprint of the display device 10, the display device 10 is easier to transport or store for future use. Similarly, when the electronic screen 900 is pivoted to the lower position, reducing the height of the display device 10, the display device 10 is easier to transport or store for future use. [0041] By using footings in the form of adjustable stands 430, the support frame 100 may engage with uneven ground around the display device 10. Moreover, when the extension members 400 are required to be moved, as the adjustable stands 430 may disengage from the ground, dragging them along the ground is avoided. This reduces the effort required to move the extension members 400 and reduces wear on both the adjustable stands 430 and arm members 410. [0042] When the fluid container in the body 600 is filled with a liquid, the centre of gravity of the display device 10 is lowered increasing the stability of -9 the display device 10. Accordingly, the display device 10 is less likely to roll and/or pitch over due to an external force. This again allows for a larger electronic screen 900 to be supported at a greater height, which makes the electronic screen 900 more visible to people near the display device 10. Moreover, when the fluid from the fluid container is released, less force is put on a lifting apparatus if the display device 10 is required to be moved. Reducing the weight of the display device 10 will also lower the transportation costs of the display device 10. [0043] The power source 700 offers a number of advantages including that the power generation unit and battery may provide power to the electronic screen 900 when mains power is not available. In addition, the use of the power generation unit and power storage system requires less monitoring compared to a typical petrol powered engine generator supplying power. That said, an engine generator may be used to assist in charging the battery, possibly whilst the display device 10 is in transport. [0044] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc. [0045] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention -10 is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention. [0046] In this specification, the terms 'comprises', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including', or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

Claims (5)

1. A display device including: a display area; and a support structure to support the display area, the support structure including an extension member with a footing; wherein the footing is adapted to engage with a surface adjacent the display device and the extension member is configured to vary the distance between the footing and a central longitudinal axis of the display device.

2. A display device according to claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a main structure that is adapted to telescopically receive the extension member.

3. A display device according to claim 2, wherein the main structure includes an upper support structure and a lower support structure that are both adapted to telescopically receive the extension member.

4. A display device according to any preceding claim, wherein the footing is an adjustable stand.

5. A method of using a display device, the method including the steps of: positioning the display device at a location, the display device including one or more extension members with a footing; moving the one or more extension members such that distance between the footing and a longitudinal axis of the display device is varied; and engaging the footing with a surface adjacent to the display device.