AU684736B2

AU684736B2 - Hinged enclosure for a display system

Info

Publication number: AU684736B2
Application number: AU57717/94A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kim Huat Teo
Original assignee: ULTIMATE DISPLAY SYSTEM Pte LT
Current assignee: ULTIMATE DISPLAY SYSTEM Pte Ltd
Priority date: 1993-07-30
Filing date: 1994-03-11
Publication date: 1998-01-08
Anticipated expiration: 2014-03-11
Also published as: GB2280532A; ATE205955T1; EP0637006B1; AU5771794A; GB9315792D0; EP0637006A1; GB2280532B; KR100283195B1; HK1003094A1; CN1102726A; SG45270A1; TW325179U; NZ260241A; KR950004084A; DE69428313D1; CA2125834A1

Abstract

A hingeless assembly for a protective enclosure is incorporated as part of a modular display system. The protective enclosure (10) features a main frame (11) and an open face panel frame (22). While the main frame (11) and the open face panel frame (22) are assembled from standardized extrusions and joints (20), an elongated cylindrical bead (13) along one of the external edges of the main frame (11) and a semi-cylindrical elongated groove (25) along a corresponding edge of the open face panel frame (22) are slidably fitted over one another to form a modular enclosure. A gasket is disposed along the hingeless assembly to weather-proof the enclosure (10). The hingeless assembly of the enclosure (10) not only allows the open face panel to be opened for easy access, but also seals the interior of the display system from the elements when the open face panel is closed. <IMAGE>

Description

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 CCOMPLETE SPECIFICATION NAME OF APPLICANT(S): Ultimate Display System Pte Ltd ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys 1 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000.

INVENTION TITLE: Hinged enclosure for a display system o The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:s o r I- i P COPERK\SH'57717 94 CLM 1819/97 b- HINGED ENCLOSURE FOR A DISPLAY SYSTEM The present invention relates to enclosure for a display system and in particular to a hinged assembly for a protective enclosure as part of a modular display system.

It is often necessary to provide protective enclosures for display systems such as office directories or commercial signages. However, the requirements in terms of geometric configurations for such enclosures are so varied such that mass production of enclosures are hitherto not economical. As the contents of the display systems require frequent updating, the ideal enclosure should be light and versatile to permit easy access to the display system. Yet exposure of the display systems to the elements generally require the protective enclosures to be sturdy, durable and weather-proof.

According to the present invention, there is provided a protective enclosure for a modular display system, said 20 enclosure comprising: a main frame, said main frame comprising at least a top main frame, a bottom main frame, a pair of side frames, each of said main frames being a separate component which is joined at its ends to each other by main frame joints, each main frame having ends which can be mated and separated with said main frame joints; a panel frame for enclosing at least one open face of said .enclosure, said panel frame further comprising at least a top panel frame, a bottom panel frame, a pair of side panel frames, each of said panel frames being a separate component which is joined at its ends to each other by panel frame joints, each panel frame having ends which can be mated and separated with said panel frame joints; a hinged assembly having an elongated bead extending from any one of the external edges of said main frames, said hinged L assembly further having an elongated groove along a ~I i I' I':lI( 11 P717 1 CLM 11//97 -2corresponding edge of the panel frame facing said external edges of said main frames, said groove receiving said bead; such that said panel frame having said groove rotates around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of said bead.

Further according to the present invention, there is provided a method for protecting a display system with an enclosure, said method comprising: enclosing the side space of a display system with a main frame, said main frame further comprising at least a top main frame, a bottom main frame, a pair of side main frames, each of said main frames being a separate component which is joined at its ends to each other by main frame joints, each main frame having ends which can be mated and separated with said main frame joints; enclosing the open face space of a display system with a panel frame, said panel frame further comprising at least a top panel frame, a bottom panel frame, a pair of side panel frames, each of said panel frames being a separate component which is 20 joined at its ends to each other by panel frame joints, each panel frame having ends which can be mated and separated with said panel frame joints; closing the side space and the open face space of a display system with a hinged assembly, said assembly having an elongated bead extending from any one of the external edges of said main frames, id hinged assembly further having an elongated groove along a corresponding edge of the panel frame facing each S..external edges of said main frames, said groove receiving said bead; such that said panel frame rotates around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of said bead.

In preferred embodiments of the invention a hinged assembly for a protective enclosure is incorporated as part of a modular Sdisplay system. The protective enclosure features a main frame 4r, nd an open face panel frame. While the main frame and the open ATO 0' X^'r PLs I' OPRRII611\57117 94 (LM 18199l7 -3face panel frame are assembled from standardized extrusions and joints, an elongated cylindrical bead along one of the external edges of the main frame and a semi-cylindrical elongated groove along a corresponding edge of the open face panel frame are 3 slidably fitted over one another to form a modular enclosure.

A gasket is disposed along the hinged assembly to weather-proof the enclosure. The hinged assembly of the enclosure not only allows the open face panel to be opened for easy access, but also seals the interior of the display system from the elements when the open face panel is closed. As various components of the embodiment are standardized and interchangeable, economy of scale in manufacturing the enclosure is achieved notwithstanding the myriad geometric configurations of display systems.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying 'drawings, in which:- FIG 1 is an exploded, perspective view of an enclosure incorporating the present invention; and 20 FIG 1A is a front, right side, cross-sectional view of a i hinged assembly for a display system in accordance to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

e I I I P Fig. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of a display system incorporating a protective enclosure according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The enclosure 10 comprises a main frame 11 and an open face panel frame 22. The main frame 11 further comprises a top main frame 12, a bottom main frame 14, and side main frames 16 and 18. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, all the frames are made of aluminium extrusions or any suitable light weight material. it should be understood by one skilled in the art that the main frames 14, 16 and 18 are preferably standardized and interchangeable. The frames of the main frame 11 are coupled with a plurality of main frame joints 20 to form a substantially rectangular cornfiguration. Even though the main frames 12, 14, 16 and 18 are shown b, single sided (having one elongated cylindrical bead on only one side edge of the frame), it shculd be understood by one skilled in the art that the present invention is equally applicable to a double sided main frame 15 (having one elongated cylindrical beads on each side edge of the frame).

The main frame joints 20 are standardized and interchangeable. Preferably the main frame joints are made of either aluminium, or other suitable weather-proofing materials. Although the main frame joints 20 are illustrated as rounded, it should not be taken as a limitation upon the present invention.

F~or example, a right angle joint may be substituted for the round joint Referring again to Fig. 1, the open face panel 22 further comprises a top panel frame 24, a bottom panel frame 26, and side panel frames 28 and Just as the main frame, the panel frames are made of aluminium extrusions or any suitable light weight material. It shoid be understood by one skilled in the art that the panel frames 24, 26,eiq28 are preferably standardized and interchangeable. The frames of the open face panel frame 22 are coupled with a plurality of panel frame joints 32 to form a substantially rectangular configuration. Like the main frame joints, the panel I~ B 11 I'4RIc'.II31Il 1 C.M I 1/9I'.Tl frame joints 32 are also standardized and interchangeable. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the panel f: ame joints are made of suitable weather-proofing materials.

Although the main frame joints 32 are illustrated as rounded, it should not be taken as a limitation upon the precent invention.

For instance, a right angle joint is interchangeable with the round joint 32. It is also understood that the open face panel frame 22 encloses a transparent panel which is not shown in order not to obscure the presentation of the embodiment of the present invention.

It follows from the prevalent use of standardized and interchangeable extrusions and joints in the embodiment of the present invention that a modular enclosure fitting a large variety of display system may be manufactured economically. It should be understood by one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention are versatile as the enclosures are easily assembled and disassembled. One further advantage of embodiments of the present invention will be described below in I 20 connection with the description of the hinged assembly.

The main frame 11 and the open face panel frame 22 are coupled in the manner illustrated in Fig. 1A where a front, Sright side, cross-sectional view of a hinged assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The top main frame 12 is shown having an L-shaped cross-section having a horizontal edge 17 and a vertical side edge 19. An elongated cylindrical bead 13 and an elongated extending portion 15 extend outwards from the side edge 19 for slidably engaging an elongated semi-cylindrical groove 25 of the top panel frame 24. The side edge 19 terminates in an elongated recess channel 33 for receiving the base of a gasket (not shown). The gasket is used for sealing the interior of the enclosure from the elements. The gasket is preferably made from silicon, rubber or other suitable weatherproofing materials.

IC-l- In Fig. 1A the top panel frame 24 has a substantially rectangular cross section. It should be understood by one skilled in the art that a large variety of cross-sectional configurations is possible for the top frame panel to have as long as it incorporates an elongated semi-cylindrical groove. For an example, see the co-pending design registration application No. 2032782 filed by the same applicant. As described briefly in the preceding paragraph, the top panel frame has a semi-cylindrical groove 25 disposed between the top edge and the edge facing the side edge 19 of the top main frame. The groove 25 terminates in edges 27 and 29 respectively. While the groove 25 receives the elongated cylindrical bead 13 in an interlocking manner, the edges 27 and 29 permit the open face panel frame 22 to rotate around an axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated ooeo cylindrical bead 13. The angle of rotation depends on the depth of the groove edges 27 and 29, and the thickness of the elongated extended 15 portion 15. On the same edge facing the side edge 19 is disposed an elongated semi-circular channel 35 which cooperates with the elongated recess channel 33 to accommodate the gasket (not shown) along the hinged assembly. When the hingecl assembly in Fig. 1A is closed, the gasket performs the weather-proofing function of the enclosure. The top **oO* panel frame 24 also has a flange 21 and interior edge 23 for receiving one 00o0 section of a display panel (not shown). It follows from the above that the hingeless assembly permits easy access to the interior of the enclosure. At the same time, the gasket disposed along the hingeA 4 assembly prevents dust, dirt and water from entering the enclosure.

Referring again to Fig. 1, reinforce bracket assemblies 34 and 36 are optionally employed to provide additional stability to the structure of the main frame 11 and the open face panel frame 22 respectively. Furthermore, an assembly consisting of a stiffener 38 and stiffener holder 40 may be used to ~II i IraPi~Ps-P l I' tI' I 11SI,7711 941 CLM I1/97 -7provide rigidity to the enclosure 10. Finally a lock 42 may optionally be added to the bottom main frame 14 in order to secure the open face panel frame 22 to the main frame 11 and to prevent unauthorized access to the display system.

The main frame and the panel frame form a self-standing enclosure when the panel frame is closed over at least one open face of the main frame.

While the present invention has been described particularly with reference to Figs. 1 to lA with emphasis on a hinged assembly for a protective enclosure for a display system, it should be understood that the figures are for illustration only and should not be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, the hinged assembly of the enclosure can be located along the side main frames or even the bottom main frame. Thus, the open face panel frame may be opened from the side or from the bottom as opposed to from the top fra'me as illustrated in Figs 1 to 1A. In addition, it is clear t the apparatus of 20 the preferred embodiment of the present invention has utility in mauy applications where versatile, modular and durable enclosure is required. It is contemplated that many changes and modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as e: "i' described.

Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Map

Claims

1. A protective enclosure for a modular display system, said enclosure comprising: a main frame, said main frame comprising at least a top main frame, a bottom main frame, a pair of side frames, each of said main frames being a separate component which is joined at its ends to each other by main frame joints, each main frame having ends which can be mated and separated with said main frame joints; a panel frame for enclosing at least one open face of said enclosure, said panel frame further comprising at least a top panel frame, a bottom panel frame, a pair of side panel frames, each of said panel frames being a separate component which is joined at its ends to each other by panel frame joints, each panel frame having ends which can be mated and separated with said panel frame joints; a hinged assembly having an elongated bead extending from any one of the external edges of said main frames, said hinged assembly further having an elongated groove along a corresponding edge of the panel frame facing said external edges of said main frames, said groove receiving said bead; such that said panel frame having said groove rotates around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of said bead.

2. The enclosure according to claim 1 wherein said main frame and said panel frame forms a self-standing enclosure when said panel frame is closed over at least one open face of said main frame.

3. The enclosure according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said groove further having two extending ends for retaining said bead within said groove.

4. The enclosure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said panel frames have a substantially rectangular I' OP'li/( RSH '71794 CLM 18/997 -9- cross-section.

The enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said main frame joints are rounded.

6. The enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said panel frame joints are rounded.

7. The enclosure according to any preceding claim wherein said hinged assembly further having an elongated gasket for tightly sealing an interface between the main frame and said panel frame.

8. The enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said enclosure is rectangular in shape.

9. The enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim comprising i a stiffener for providing rigidity to said enclosure.

10. The enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said groove slidably receives said bead.

11. The enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said bead is cylindrical.

12. The enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said groove is semi-cylindrical.

13. A method for protecting a display system with an enclosure, said method comprising: enclosing the side space of a display system with a main frame, said main frame further comprising at least a top main frame, a bottom main frame, a pair of side main frames, each of said main frames being a separate component which is joined at its ends to each other by main frame joints, each main frame -J having ends which can be mated and separated with said main 1 I CI P \ol'llt\lRSIl7717-7.4 CLM IX19 frame joints; enclosing the open face space of a display system with a panel frame, said panel frame further comprising at least a top panel frame, a bottom panel frame, a pair of side panel frames, each of said panel frames being a separate component which is joined at its ends to each other by panel frame joints, each panel frame having ends which can be mated and separated with said panel frame joints; closing the side space and the open face space of a display system with a hinged assembly, said assembly having an elongated bead extending from any one of the external edges of said main frames, said hinged assembly further having an elongated groove along a corresponding edge of the panel frame facing each external edges of said main frames, said groove receiving said bead; such that said panel frame rotates around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of said bead.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein said main irame 20 and said panel frame forms a self-standing enclosure when said panel frame is closed over at least one open face of said main frame.

The method according to claim 13 or 14 wherein said groove further having two extending ends for retaining said bead within said groove.

16. The method as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15, wherein said groove slidably receives said bead.

17. The method according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein said hinged assembly further having an elongated gasket disposed along said hinged assembly such that the enclosure is protected against the elements.

18. The method as claimed in any of claims 13 to 17, wherein I I P U)['IJIUI M~I' 1 7'I1 CLM- 1I/91 11 said bead is cylindrical.

19. The method as claimed in any of claims 13 to 18, wherein said groove is semi-cylindrical.

The enclosure according to any of claims 1 to 12 wherein said panel frame encloses a transparent panel.

21. A protective enclosure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

22. A method for protecting a display system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 17th day of September, 1997. ULTIMATE DISPLAY SYSTEM PTE LTD 20 By its Patent Attorneys: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE °o I-1 1 1 ABSTRACT HINGED I ENCLOSURE FOR A DISPLAY SYSTEM The present invention discloses a hingeless assembly for a protective enclcsure incorporated as part of a modular display system. The protective enclosure features a main frame and an open face panel frame. While the main frame and the open face panel frame are assembled from standardized extrusions and joints, an elongated cylindrical bead along one of the external edges of the main frame and a semi-cylindrical elongated groove along a corresponding edge of the open face panel frame are slidably fitted over one another to form a modular enclosure. A gasket is disposed along the hingeless assembly to weather-proof the enclosure. The hingeless assembly of the enclosure not only allows the open face panel to be opened for easy access, but also seals the interior of the display system from the elements when the open face panel is closed. As various components of the present invention are standardized and interchangeable, economy of scale in manufacturing the enclosure is achieved notwithstanding the myriad geometric configurations of display systems. Figure 1 0 0...2 o *o 0 o-,