AU2019101718A4 - Display door apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a display door apparatus for providing a visual display with a range of display options including a body including at least one display area, a light array for causing one or more light to display in the display area and a control means for controlling how the light array displays in the display area and the visual display created. The user can control the light arrays displayed on the display area of the door to project a desired image, from a choice of available visual display options. The invention also relates to variants thereon and methods of use. Dated this 31st day December 2019 Matt Bradley James By his Patent Attorney TJIP Patents, Trade Marks & Designs Suite 4, 45-49 Bundock Street Belgian Gardens, Townsville Queensland 4810 Australia 16 F J llbI I i16iIb

Description

2019101718 31 Dec 2019

	PATENTS ACT 1990 Section 29 Innovation Patent
Applicant:	Matt Bradley James
Address:	C/o TJIP Patents Trade Marks & Designs Suite 4, 45-49 Bundock Street Belgian Gardens, Townsville Queensland 4810 Australia
Inventor:	Matt Bradley James
Address:	C/o TJIP Patents Trade Marks & Designs Suite 4, 45-49 Bundock Street Belgian Gardens, Townsville Queensland 4810 Australia

Title of Invention: DISPLAY DOOR APPARATUS

The applicant applies for the grant of a patent for the invention described in the accompanying complete patent specification:

The following is a full description of the invention including the best method of performing the invention, known to us:

specPAinnovation

2019101718 31 Dec 2019

DISPLAY DOOR APPARATUS [0001] The present invention relates to a display door apparatus, and in particular to a display door apparatus that enables a wide variety of visual display elements to be displayed, as determined by the user.

[0002] A standard door is a solid flat surface, which provides a closure to a room, office or commercial space, for example. The look of the door is fixed when chosen, the shape of the panels, the colour, and texture is all chosen at the time of installation and will remain the same through the life of the door. Apart from painting the door to change the look, the only way to change how it appears, is to replace the door.

[0003] As a large flat space doors are often used to display images or information. A decorative image or poster fits readily on the inner or outer surface of a door, and advertisements can be posted on public doors to advertise upcoming events or important information. The information may be to denote the contents of the room, “Jack’s Bedroom”, or “Chairman’s Office”, or provide information or decoration. It is not ideal to stick a poster or physical sign to a door, the action may damage the door or leave marks when removed. While for a student bedroom covering a door with a poster may be suitable, for a neat home, office or commercial space this is undesirable. It would be preferred to be able to make some aesthetic or decorative changes to the appearance of the door as required, and at present this option is not available.

[0004] Electronic displays are known, to display images or information such as billboards, or in an office reception there may be a display for information about appointments, for example. These displays, are generally an LCD display that can through use of a computer be programmed to display particular information, such a fixed page or cycle of pages. The displays are useful, but are an additional item that needs to be purchased and installed at the location to create the display. There is an additional cost to purchase each display and controlling computer and these specPAinnovation

2019101718 31 Dec 2019 are not inexpensive items, and so perhaps only one display will be in the budget. Further each, display must be purchased, and a location found for it, and it be fitted and mounted at a suitable location. In modern times space is generally at a premium and therefore space available is a further limiting factor. There is not the space to mount multiple displays and so again, usually only a single display is used, if at all.

[0005] The inventor had developed a surprisingly clever new invention which enables existing door sites to be used as a display apparatus, to change the look of the door, or to display specific designs or information. The whole door may glow or certain areas can display colour, images or signs in different forms of the invention. The invention has a very wide range of potential applications for the domestic, office or commercial sites, for example. Domestically, the door may be used to provide decorative effects, mood lighting or to change the decor of the room. Information may be displayed on a door outwardly to indicate the nature of the room or the status within the room, such as “meeting in progress”, or “Please do not disturb”. The inner surface of the door may display something for consumption of the people in the room, or this may be kept muted or off so as not to interfere with other activities. Decoration or information can be displayed inwardly instead, to change the mood, the lighting or to display a favoured image within a room.

[0006] Commercially, use of the outward display allows all kinds of advertising, information or decorative displays to be shown. Even simple images, such as an arrow can be displayed, all useful for the business. The display door is very different to a display used to watch movies or even a monitor for a computer, but instead provides an economic means to change the appearance of the door, without the need for a separate computer or input. The door stands alone to be fitted into homes or offices, and controllable direct from the door. This multi-faceted invention has uses for home decor, office displays, information and commercial uses, in an economic, space saving manner. When the doors are installed or specPAinnovation

2019101718 31 Dec 2019 replaced, these can be set up with options for display suitable for the particular use, with various options. For new properties these inventive doors provides a wide array of options to personalise and tailor through use of the display doors, to suit the desires of the owner.

[0007] The following describes a non-limiting example of the invention being used with reference to a display door. The invention is useful for any panel not limited to doors, although use of a door is a very good application of the invention. The invention may be used for any panel include wall, floor or ceiling, or any flat panel to be used as part of a room and provide display options. It is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to a door other than as stated in the claims.

[0008] For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a display door apparatus that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It is a further and separate object of the present invention to provide a method of use of a display door apparatus that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention provides a display door apparatus for providing a visual display with a range of display options, the display door apparatus including:

a body including at least one display area;

a light array for causing one or more light to display in the display area;

a control means for controlling how the light array displays in the display area and the visual display created, specPAinnovation

2019101718 31 Dec 2019 wherein the user can control the light arrays displayed on the display area of the door to project a desired image, from a choice of available visual display options.

[0011] Accordingly, the present invention provides a display door apparatus for providing a visual display with a range of display options, the display door apparatus including:

a body including at least one display area;

a visual display able to display desired colours or images for causing one or more light to display in the display area;

a control means for controlling how the light array displays in the display area and the visual display created, wherein the user can control the light arrays displayed on the display area of the door to project a desired image, from a choice of available visual display options.

[0012] Preferably, the display door apparatus is arranged to be able to “glow” as part of the display. The glow may be facilitated by use of a frosted sheet, for example to diffuse the light. Any suitable light diffusion may be used. A frosted sheet of PERSPEX is a useful way to provide the diffusion.

[0013] The visual display may be any suitable visual display. The visual display may be chosen from the group of: colours; images; information; signs; or a combination thereof. The visual display may be a glow of the door. The visual display may be active including more than one visual display moving through a sequence. Or the visual display may be passive and fixed, displaying a single visual display. The visual display may include an image. The visual display may include words. The visual display may include colour. The visual display may include means to diffuse the light. A combination of visual elements may be displayed. Display elements of any suitable kind may be provided through use of the invention.

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2019101718 31 Dec 2019 [0014] The display elements may be recognisable as a particular commercial outlet, for example a fastfood outlet. Other recognisable colours and symbols may be displayed to indicate a particular owner. The display is different to a screen display with associated costs and detailed information, this is a low cost display of a coloured image formed from a light array, as described in the preferred embodiment.

[0015] The visual display may be displayed outward of a room. The visual display may be displayed inward of a room. The visual display may be displayed from the whole door. Any one or more part of the door may provide a visual display.

[0016] The body may take any suitable shape. The body may be substantially rectangular. The body may be in the form of a door to fit in a door frame in the usual manner. The door may include one or more handle. One or more door may be used together. The door may be hung from the door hinges and include a closure and lock in the usual manner. Other forms of door including security door or electronic door may also be used with the invention.

[0017] The body may be the body of a panel. The door may be replaced by any panel, or generally planar item. The invention is particularly useful for a door as it can display images outwardly controlled from inside. However, any panel may be used instead of a door and the invention will be usefully utilised. The panel may be floor, ceiling or wall panel for example or a divider of some kind.

[0018] The entire body may be the display area. The display area may be the outward surface. The display area may be the inward surface of the door. Both the inward and outward surfaces may include display areas. The edges of the door may include display areas. Separate display areas may be included on any suitable part of the door. There may be separate areas for different types of display such as words, pictures or colours. However, most preferably, substantially the door surface provides a display area whereby a visual display can be displayed specPAinnovation

2019101718 31 Dec 2019 over substantially the whole surface of the door. Most preferably, one or both surface of the door can display a visual image or the entire door can provided a visual display. Variants may be made to suit the particular application. The entire door may be included to glow a particular colour. This may be useful to advertise a particular brand or company, or to be suggestive of the nature of the business behind the door, for example where bright cyclic colours may be used for a night club.

[0019] Preferably, the display area is any area from which the display of a visual image can be seen on the door. The display area may be within the door and seen therethrough. For example, a clear or frosted sheet may be included and the display area is an array of LEDs and these provide a display able to be seen through the sheet. The display area, in this case may be considered the area where the visual information can be seen, rather than the source of the information. The display area may be used to describe the LED array as well as the area where the visual display may be seen in some forms ofthe invention.

[0020] Preferably, a light array is included, and it is the light array that is used to create the visual display. More than one light array may be included. Strips or a continuous light array may be included. LEDs in any form may be included, arranged suitable to display the visual images as desired. LEDs are very useful as low energy and highly adaptable lights, that are also physically lightweight. Other forms of light can be used instead. The arrangement of LEDs may be such that each point can produce any colour as controlled by the controller.

[0021] The causing ofthe one or more light to display is preferably through use of any suitable controller. Preferably, the controller is included as part of the door assembly. However, the controller can also be remote. Preferably, the battery is an infra-red remote. Preferably, the remote is wireless. Preferably, he controller is a small wireless battery-operated infrared remote. Preferably, the remote can be mounted on the wall next to the door, for convenience. Preferably, the remote specPAinnovation

2019101718 31 Dec 2019 includes numerous button controls. The button controls may give you the option of light dimming, flashing, and colour selection. In an alternative form, use of existing remote apps may be used in order that the remote control is accessible from a mobile phone. In this way a smart phone can be used, through logging in to the app to control the door and display. The remote may be controlled through WIFI (Trade Mark), mobile or any wireless networks or wireless controls.

[0022] The control means may take any suitable form. Preferably, the control means includes selections means to select a visual display from a choice to display. Preferably, once the selection is made particular LEDs from the light array are powered to create the visual display. The control means may include a microprocessor. The control means may include a monitor or screen. The control means may include a touchscreen to control and select the apparatus. Preferably, the light array is wired to the control means to cause the visual display as selected.

[0023] Power may be provided to the arrangement through mains power, wired from the door. Batteries may be used instead.

[0024] Preferably, a touchscreen is included and it is through use of the touchscreen that the controls of the controller are used. Menus may be accessed via pin or finger print security. A related app may allow control through a smart phone as well. Preferably, secure access is enabled, and once the verification has been completed the controls are accessible.

[0025] Most preferably, a power source provides power to the LEDs under the control of the control centre.

[0026] Preferably a camera is included. Preferably, the camera faces outwards to provide security information. The camera information may be viewed on the touchscreen. The camera images may be exported wirelessly to a PC or mobile computer or phone.

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2019101718 31 Dec 2019 [0027] In some forms of the invention the control of the display may be through connection to some external control or receiver. Preferably, information is able to be both sent and received through use of the display door apparatus.

[0028] Most preferably, a menu of display options is available and the user can choose to display one or more visual display from the choice through use of the touchscreen and controller.

[0029] Accordingly, the invention also provides a method of use of a display door apparatus including a body including at least one display area, light array and control means for displaying a visual image on the display area, the method including the following steps:accessing a menu on the control means;

selecting from the menu a chosen visual display;

on selection the visual display being caused through use of the light array to be displayed on at least part of the display door apparatus.

[0030] The display door apparatus of the method may be the display door apparatus of the invention in any of its forms or variants.

[0031] The invention will now be described in connection with a non-limiting preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display door according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention with an arrow indicating the outward direction for the room;

[0033] Figure 2 is a front view of the display door of Figure 1;

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2019101718 31 Dec 2019 [0034] Figure 3 is a plan view ofthe display door of Figures 1 or 2, with the outward direction indicated by an arrow;

[0035] Figure 4 is a side view of the display door of Figures 1 to 3;

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic exploded view ofthe display door of Figures 1 to 3, to show the layers before construction; and [0037] Figure 6 is front view of a second preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrating a further use ofthe invention.

[0038] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a first preferred embodiment ofthe invention will be described, where display door apparatus for a domestic external door is referred to generally by 1, with door 10 being the major component. Door 10 refers to the panel, having body 12, upper edge 14, lower edge 16, first side edge 18, and second side edge 20, which in the given example is hung in a frame in the usual manner. Door 10 provides an opening and closure to a room and while shown in a conventional form could take any suitable form or arrangement, while incorporating the invention. In other forms ofthe invention the door panel may be replaced with any suitable panel, and could be a wall, floor, ceiling, screen or in fact any panel with the rest ofthe inventive display apparatus installed. However, the use ofthe invention for a door is a very useful application, and one likely to be very well received by interior designers, commercial customers and the public generally alike.

[0039] The arrow (not labelled) is used conveniently to indicate the outward direction, to show how the person inside the room would see the door with access to the controls, with the displays, in the most part being directed in the direction of the arrow, outwardly. The whole door or only part of the door may be arranged to display but in a preferred form the display can be inward, outward and in fact the whole door may “glow” when displaying. These options may be particularly useful specPAinnovation

2019101718 31 Dec 2019 to have a closed setting for a bar for example, while having a continuous glow and the name of the bar displayed outwardly when closed which is more brightly illuminated when open, and the doors opened. There are a great many options in this regard.

[0040] Handles 22 on either side of the door are fixed to open and close the door in the usual manner. Any suitable handle may be used or omitted in a simple push form of door.

[0041] Touchscreen 24 is mounted on door 10 for access by the user from inside the room. Although not shown there is a also a remote for remote control of the display. In other forms of the invention the controls may be through an app on a smart phone. For security on a commercial application this is useful but for a domestic application the touchscreen could be on the inside or outside. Verification of a known kind such as use of a pin and finger print scanning may be used. The particular verification and security required will of course be less at home and greater at a public venue and the apparatus will be adapted accordingly. In the given example touchscreen 24 is on the insider of door 10 with camera 25 pointing out. The door as shown would be an external door so that the camera can be used for security. For example, the camera can be set to record to a storage device or memory stick during the night, times of absence of continuously. The information from the camera may be stored or could be wirelessly transmitted to a PC or mobile device in the usual manner. The camera images can then be studied if there has been a security breach or for commercial applications may be monitored as part of other security procedures.

[0042] As illustrated an HDMI touch screen display monitor is used of a standard form such as a Samsung tablets, IBM or Apple (Trade Marks )tablets will be suitable for the application. Each of these will need to be installed with suitable software to enable control. The suitable software may be ARLEC (Trade Mark) with the accompanying readily available hardware. The app and hardware of a specPAinnovation

2019101718 31 Dec 2019 known form are used to control the lights inside the door by installation to an AC power point. WIFI connections can be used to connect and control the software and the lights. These ARLEC (Trade Mark) products are provided for ANDROID and APPLE (Trade Marks) products, which enable easy control of the lights straight from a smart phone or tablet, for example. Actions such as turning the lights on and off and the dimming controls can be controlled through use of these applications. Timer controls are also included in the arrangement.

[0043] As illustrated camera 25 is installed in outer surface 26, and touchscreen 24 is a small touchscreen incorporated into inner surface 28. The touchscreen 24 and camera 25 could equally be reversed or be accessible from the same side.

[0044] As illustrated both outer surface 26 and inner surface 28 are formed of a PERSPEX (Trade Mark) sheet. The PERSPEX (Trade Mark) sheet as illustrated as a frosted appearance to allow the display to glow or show through without being fully transparent. It is envisaged that a range of colours and finishes of sheet will be available to customers to the tailor the look to their particular needs. The edges of the door are also substantially clear, as the front and back so in fact the entire door could be made to glow if desired. Generally however, the person will choose to display outwardly and have not display inwardly while they are in the room so as to not to disturb them. Clearly, there are a wealth of options for parts or the whole door to glow or display.

[0045] Within door 10 is the part that will create the visual display, a Light Emitting Diode (“LED”) light array, labelled generally 30, with wire circuit 32 and wire clips 34. LED array 30 is configured as shown in rows, within door 10 wired to touchscreen 24 as described elsewhere. Each row of LEDs is wired together with to form wire circuit 32 with wire to mains 36 plugged in to provide power. In other forms of the invention the power used to power touchscreen 24 and or camera 25 can be used instead as the battery should be sufficient to provide off grid power. The use of battery power or otherwise can be options selected by customers when specPAinnovation

2019101718 31 Dec 2019 installing the doors. The light arrays are configured so that through controls each can be caused to illuminate in red, green or blue or a white light enabling a very wide range of images. For example, a celebration shape may be displayed with suitable colours to give a holiday feel. A sign or name of a business may be displayed, and brand colours used so the entire door glows. For shops, the use of the door is particularly good to give a brand getup to the door when open or closed, and can display the name and information such as “sale on now”. The display is limited only to the program control and size of the LEDs used and display area. Clearly, variation can be made to give a finer detail or larger scale visual display. Customers have the option when buying the door if they want to have a particular brand of touch screen tablet included as a package, the touch screen provides the customer accessibility to the security camera to the front door and which allows mobile control for the setting of the lighting. Known software apps will be used to establish this functionality including GOOGLE PLAY, APP Store available apps, GOOGLE ASSISTANT and AMAZON Alexa (Trade Marks) as would be understood.

[0046] Any suitable designs may be predetermined and designed into the invention, and some examples used may be:

• Logo business designs • Array of patterns • Address house numbers • Welcome and goodbye signs • Work hour tables • Contact details • Poems • Product prices • Family surnames • Symbols and emoji’s specPAinnovation

2019101718 31 Dec 2019 [0047] A big franchise commercial restaurant can attract their customers by having big red glowing entry doors with the famous golden arches that glow yellow in the centre of the door as you walk in the restaurant. This will attract a modern style look to their restaurant and distinguish from other brands. Different styles and colours can be changed to suit any restaurant or commercial company to fit their style they want.

[0048] So in use a person will decide they would like to change the look of door 10, as viewed outwardly (see arrow). The person can access the controls to the door via a remote, smart phone used as a remove, or a tablet either remotely or that is linked to the door by Wi-Fi, or installed in the door for direct control. Any of the remote control forms use an application ARLEC (as described elsewhere) grid connected to the a smart home setup, that syncs through WIFI and with use of the ARLEC app on the phone can control the lighting with a touch of the finger. Other controls can be used to control the lighting the timer the security camera and the on and off settings. Any and all the controls can be controlled directly on the door but remote control is convenient, particularly with the inclusion of security verifications before the controls can be accessed. Once security clearance has been verified then the person has access to a menu, providing options and the selections may be made to control the appearance of the door. For a domestic home the options may include a range of colours and simple signs that may be useful, to display “welcome”. “ Happy Birthday” or other signs. The person makes the choice and presses select so that the LED light array starts to display as instructed. The display would usually be a low energy static display but moving displays may be used instead.

[0049] Where the door is used for security, camera 25 may be set to record at particular times and the person can view the images on touchscreen 26 or these may be viewed from a PC, or portable device such as phone or tablet. Settings are included to provide suitable monitoring for security. It is a useful aspect of the invention that the display can change and also act as a security device. Where the specPAinnovation

2019101718 31 Dec 2019 invention is used perhaps for a shop or club the camera may be a useful addition to the evening security.

[0050] Referring to Figure 6, a second preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, a variant on the first preferred embodiment and described with similar numerals, with display door apparatus 101. Doors 110 and 111 each have body 112 and 113, and are shown installed in wall 115. Handles 122 are included in the usual manner. The doors include the LED light array arrangement and internal touchscreen as described for the first embodiment. The second embodiment is variant on the first embodiment and works in the same way and so the description is not repeated here. As illustrated doors 110 and 111 are the doors of a nightclub, which are closed during the day but can glow softly through the day to display the name of the club and either a colour sequence or particular colour to suit the ambiance of the club. The adaptability of the invention is very useful to commercial properties as they can display their brand signs and colours as necessary.

[0051] Clearly the invention, can be adapted to any door or in fact any panel to be useful to display an aesthetic visual display, information or combination thereof. The inventor is developing different aspects to the invention, and refining the applications for some of the applications. The surprisingly clever invention is likely to provide a significant increase in the options available to domestic and commercial designers, and be of great interest.

[0052] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects.

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2019101718 31 Dec 2019

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST:

1	Display door apparatus	101	Display door apparatus
10	Door	110	Door
12	Body	111	Body of door
14	Upper edge	112	Door
16	Lower edge	113	Body of door
18	First side edge	115	Wall
20	Second side edge	122	Handles
22	Handles
24	Touchscreen
25	Camera
26	Outer surface
28	Inner surface
30	LED array
32	Wire circuit
34	Wire clip
36	Wires to mains

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2019101718 31 Dec 2019

Claims (5)

1. The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. A display door apparatus for providing a visual display with a range of display options, the display door apparatus including:

   a body including at least one display area;

   a light array for causing one or more light to display in the display area;

   a control means for controlling how the light array displays in the display area and the visual display created, wherein the user can control the light arrays displayed on the display area of the door to project a desired image, from a choice of available visual display options.
2. 2. A display door apparatus for providing a visual display with a range of display options, the display door apparatus including:

   a body including at least one display area;

   a visual display able to display desired colours or images for causing one or more light to display in the display area;

   a control means for controlling how the light array displays in the display area and the visual display created, wherein the user can control the light arrays displayed on the display area of the door to project a desired image, from a choice of available visual display options.
3. 3. The display door apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the display door apparatus is arranged to be able to “glow” as part of the display.
4. 4. The display door apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the visual display may be displayed outward of a room and or the visual display is displayed inward of a room.
5. 5. A method of use of a display door apparatus including a body including at least one display area, light array and control means for displaying a visual image on the display area, the method including the following steps:- specPAinnovation

   2019101718 31 Dec 2019 accessing a menu on the control means;

   selecting from the menu a chosen visual display;

   on selection the visual display being caused through use of the light array to be displayed on at least part of the display door apparatus.