GB2513391A

GB2513391A - Wearable display apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2513391A
Application number: GB1307522.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adrian Brown
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-04-25
Filing date: 2013-04-25
Publication date: 2014-10-29
Also published as: GB201307522D0

Abstract

A wearable display apparatus 1, for advertising and marketing, comprises a fastener 10 so the apparatus can be worn and a support 3, 4 for receiving an electronic display, e.g. a tablet computer. The support is movable between a first use condition (Fig. 1), in which it is substantially vertical for attracting attention, and a second use condition (Fig. 2) in which it is substantially horizontal for interaction with an individual. The support preferably comprises a first support region 3, for receiving the display, hingedly connected 5 to a second support region 4, which is located against the wearers body, and a stand 7 which, in cooperation with ridges 9, acts to releasably secure the support in the second use condition. Alternative support limbs (12A, 12B, Fig. 4) may be provided. The apparatus may be used with a t-shirt (Fig. 3) which has a slit in the front through which the display is passed. The display may be mounted to a turntable (14, Fig. 5) to allow it to be easily rotated. The fastener may take the form of hook and loop fastener provided on the rear of the support which cooperates with similar provided on a t-shirt.

Description

Wearable Display Apparatus The present invention relates to wearable display apparatus, in particular those which may be used for promotion and marketing activities. The present invention also relates to apparel comprising wearable display apparatus, a method of manufacturing wearable display apparatus, and use of wearable display apparatus for promotion and marketing activities. The present invention also relates to a method a promoting and marketing.

Promotion and marketing activity covers a vast array of different activities, for instance, it can encámpass advertising, public relations, profile raising, and information gathering, to name but a few To date, various enterprises still use old technology, such as billboards, sandwich boards, or mobile street boards, to carry out those activities. Owing to the nature of the boards displaying the information, they are difficult and time consuming to change and keep updated and, in many instances, the boards would require considerable work in order to display different information. Further, an individual who has a board can only display a limited amount of information and, certainly, cannot react quickly and alter the information easily should a change in circumstances require it. Further, if information is written on to a form, at some later time, it will require uploading on to an electronic database for further use. A modern approach to this kind of advertising is to use computer driven displays. However, most are not mobile, or if they are, they are cumbersome and require at least one hand to hold the display. Further, individuals who are attracted to the marketer, wish to receive information and provide their details in a timely manner. If only one hand can be used, then this will take twice as long, and the marketer is perceived as being less professional and efficient. Specific problems faced by an individual who intends to use an electronic display for promotion and marketing activities are, therefore, that their hands will very likely get tired from holding the display and, when it comes to information gathering, one must hold the display with one hand, and can, therefore only use one hand for typing and inputting data. An apparatus which supports a laptop and leaves both hands free is also known; however, the known apparatus allows a laptop to be used in one position only.

There is, therefore, a need for an improved apparatus. The present invention is aimed at reducing and alleviating the above-mentioned problems. In particular,

I

the present invention seeks to make it easier to attract a target audience and secure data received from that audience.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wearable display apparatus, for promotion and marketing activities, the apparatus comprising: a fastener, for allowing the apparatus to be worn in use; and a support, for receiving an electronic display, wherein the support is movable between a first use condition and a second use condition and is releasably securable against further movement in the second use condition.

Preferably, the first use condition provides said electronic display in an upright orientation and the second use condition provides said electronic display in an outstretched orientation. Further preferably, the first use condition provides said electronic display in a vertical or thereabouts orientation and the second use condition provides said electronic display in a horizontal or thereabouts orientation.

Most preferably, in the first use condition the support is oriented for an audience to view the electronic display and, in the second use condition, the support is oriented for a user to view the electronic display.

Preferably, the support comprises a limb which is movable between a stored condition and a securing condition where it acts to secure the support. Most preferably, the limb is pivotally connected at each end to the support and rotatably movable, and a middle section thereof acts to secure the support. Alternatively, or additionally, preferably two limbs are provided, each pivotally connected to the support at a first end, and at least the distal ends act to secure the support -although the entire length of the limb may in fact act to secure the support.

Preferably, the support comprises a first support region, for receiving said electronic display, and a second support region, for allowing the apparatus to be worn against a user's torso. Most preferably, the first support region and the second support region are flexibly connected. Most preferably, the second support region comprises a ridge, trough, friction inducing surface or the like for supporting the limb.

Preferably, the support further comprises a turntable, allowing said electronic display to be easily rotated. Preferably, the support further comprises a socket for receiving and securing to the support said electronic display. The turntable may be connected to the support and to the socket.

Preferably, the support further comprises a clear plastics cover. Most preferably, the cover protects the electronic display from dust and rain, whilst allowing a touch-screen thereof to function normally.

The fastener may comprise straps, ties, press-studs, hook and loop, or the like. Most preferably, the apparatus comprises shoulder straps and adjustable fastenings on those straps.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides promotion and marketing apparatus comprising a wearable display apparatus as defined in relation to the first aspect, and further comprising apparel for covering a torso of a user and wherein the apparel comprises an aperture through which the support for receiving an electronic display may be located.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided prbmotion and marketing apparatus comprising a wearable display apparatus as defined in relation to the first aspect, and further comprising apparel for covering a torso of a user and wherein the apparel and the support comprise aspects of a fastener for securing the support to the apparel.

Preferably, the fastener is regions of hook and loop, one region of hook or loop provided on the apparel and the other on the support.

Most preferably, the electronic display is a tablet-style computer, preferably an iPad ®.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides use of a wearable display apparatus for promotion and marketing activities, the apparatus comprising: a fastener, for allowing the apparatus to be worn in use; and a support, for receiving an electronic display, wherein the support is movable between a first use condition and a second use condition and is releasably securable against further movement in the second use condition.

Preferably, the use further comprises use of the wearable display apparatus in the first use condition so as to display various promotion or marketing information so as to attract the attention of an individual, and moving the support in to the second use condition so to engage with the so-attracted individual and provide further promotion or marketing information or input data provided by said individual into said electronic display.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises one or more features as defined in relation to the first aspect.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a wearable display apparatus, the method comprising: providing a fastener, for allowing the apparatus to be worn in use; providing a support, for receiving an electronic display, wherein the support is movable between a first use condition and a second use condition and is securable against further movement in the second use condition.

Most preferably, the method comprises providing one or more apparatus features as described in relation to the first aspect.

According to a yet further aspect, the present invention provides a method of promoting and marketing using an electrqnic display, the method comprising: using an electronic display in a first use condition so as to display various media and attract the attention of an individual; moving the electronic display in to a second use condition so to engage with the so-attracted individual and display further media or input data provided by said individual into said electronic display.

Preferably, the method comprises securing the electronic display in the second use condition. Further preferably, the method comprises uploading the data of the individual, preferably in real-time. Most preferably, the method comprises fastening the electronic display to apparel for covering a torso of a user.

Advantageously, a wearer of the apparatus is fully-mobile and capable of locating themselves in a region where there will be a good target audience. Of course, that may be by way of static engagement with the target audience in a pre-arranged location or locations or mobile engagement by walking in an opposed manner to a attract a passing target audience. Where an attracted target audience wishes to know further information or supply details, this can easily be done in a static manner right there and then or in a mobile manner, possible by walking along with the attracted audience. Therefore, it will be apparent that the present invention benefits from the following advantages: this is a new and different way of targeting and attracting a target audience and obtaining their details; the apparatus is comfortable to wear and provides ample opportunity for additional advertising/promotions on the apparel of a wearer; this type of campaign is quick and cheap to run, providing low cost data gathering or marketing; a number of wearers can be active at any one time, increasing the likelihood of a target audience seeing the promotion and marketing Media; information from a wearer is easily uploaded for data gathering purpose, potentially even directly to the enterprise wishing to promote I market themselves or use such data. Further advantageously, the apparatus provides a hands-free tablet in an upright use condition or an outstretched use condition. Further advantageously, hinging the support regions in upper regions therefore provides the two use conditions. In the upright use condition, a target audience can be attracted without the wearer having to hold the tablet, which of course prevents tiredness and breakages through dropping of the tablet, and in the outstretched condition, a wearer need not hold the tablet to input details and can type with both hands. Therefore, a user operative condition is provided, in which a user may easily type and operate the tablet, and an audience viewing condition is provided. Further advantageously, by supporting the display from beneath when in the second use condition, an upwards facing surface of the display is provided and no support apparatus, tether or such is located above the surface which would otherwise interfere with operation or viewing of the cflsplay.

The invention will now be disclosed, byway of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wearable display apparatus; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 but shown in a different use condition; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 being worn by a user; Figure 4 is a perspective view of part of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing optional additional features; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a further embàdiment of wearable display apparatus; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 6 but shown in a different use condition; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of wearable display apparatus suitable for receiving an iPad®; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of an all-weather wearable display apparatus.

Figures 1 to 3 show a wearable display apparatus, identified generally by reference 1. The apparatus I includes a support 2, which is provided as a first semi-rigid, support region 3 and a second semi-rigid, support region 4. The regions 3; 4 are connected together through a flexible connection 5, which is located at respective upper regions of the support regions 3; 4 as shown in Figure 1, which provides easy rotation of the first support region 3 with respect to the second support region 4.

The first support region 3 comprises a socket 6 for receiving a tablet-style computer (this being just one example of an electronic display) and, as shown in the Figures, a tablet-style computer 100 (herein referred to as a tablet 100) may be slotted into the socket 6 where it is securely held. The first support region 3 also includes a stand 7, for supporting and securing the first support region 3, respective ends of which stand 7 are pivotally attached to the first support region 3 in lower corners 8 thereof.

The second support region includes an undulating front-facing surface 9 which, in use, receives the stand 7 in various locations depending upon the intended angle of the first support region 3. The second support region 4 also includes straps 10, enabling the apparatus to be worn around shoulders of a user, as shown specifically in Figure 3, together with parts for securing around a torso of the user.

The straps 10 are adjustable (not shown) and releasably connectable. A cushioned rear-facing surface 11 is provided for improved comfort, as this surface 11 is intended to be worn against the user.

The first support region 3 is shown in a substantially vertical orientation in Figures 1 and 3, although it could be oriented more vertically, and this upright configuration provides a first use condition of the apparatus 1. The stand 7 is tucked underneath the first support region 3. The first support region 3 may be rotated about the flexible connection 5 to a horizontal orientation, as shown in Figure 2, and this outstretched configuration provides a second use condition of the apparatus 1.

In order to secure the first support region 3, the stand 7 is rotated and a middle-section thereof is placed onto the surface 9. Of course, if a T-shirt is worn, the stand 7 does not directly contact the surface 9, but that does not adversely affect operation.

In a preferred use, a user wears the apparatus approximately as shown in Figure 3, over a torso 22 of a user Of course, the straps 10 may be located against skin or may be located on top of an undergarment or lower-level of clothing. Once the apparatus I is being worn, a specially adapted T-shirt 20-or the like -is worn over the top of the straps and a first support region 3 of the apparatus is located through an aperture 21 of the T-shirt. Thus, in this configuration, the straps 10 and the second support region 4 (both shown in dashed line) are hidden from view and only the first support region and the tablet 100 are visible to an audience. The T-shirt 20 may provide further information, i.e. the name of the advertiser, etc. In the first use condition, a target audience (not shown) at a distance from the wearer of the apparatus may be targeted to attract their attention using various media (not shown) covering promotion and/or marketing information. For instance, the media could be photographs, graphics, video files, music and/or combinations thereof In the second use condition, close engagement of an attracted target is provided whereby further media may be shown or, especially, a wearer may input data provided by the attracted target into the tablet 100. In the second use condition, the wearer is provided with both hands free and can concentrate upon engaging with the attracted target, seamlessly displaying information relevant to the target, posing questions and/or inputting data received from the target without having to hold the tablet per se. Naturally, as the tablet 100 is wireless enabled, data may be sent in real-time to a database for collecting such data. It is also understood that data may be stored on the tablet 100 for subsequent retrieval, although this is considered less preferred.

Figure 4 shows an apparatus 1, as described in relation to Figures 1 to 3, but in which the first support region is not shown so that detail beneath it can be viewed.

Figure 4 shows an optional additional mechanism for preventing movement and securing the first support region 3, although the mechanism could also be an alternative to the stand7shown in Figures 1 to3. As such, a pair of limbs 12A; 12B are provided (as shown in Figure 4) which are mounted to the second support region 4 in upper regions thereof -in the approximate location of the flexible connection 5 (not shown for ease of understanding) -by pivotal connections 1 3A; I 3B respectively. The limbs 12A; 12B are rotatable from a stored condition -shown in dashed line -to a securing and supporting condition -shown in normal line. Once the first support region has been rotated from its upright condition into an outstretched condition, the limbs 12A; 12B may be rotated from their stored condition in to their securing and supporting condition to provide further support if the stand 7 is being utilised or an alternative to the stand 7 if not used (or even provided).

Figure 5 shows a further wearable display apparatus 1, which is based upon that of Figures 1 to 3, but includes optional additional features. Like references have been used to identify common features and, therefore, only the differences will be described in detail. Underneath the socket 6 is provided a turntable 14, which is shown in an exploded part of Figure 5. The turntable 14 has two parts, 14A; 14B, which are rotatably connected together. The part 14A is also connected to the first support region 3, whereas the part 14B is also connected to the socket 6. In use, the turntable serves to allow easy rotation of the socket 6 and, thereby, the tablet 100,.

by a user wishing to alter orientation of the tablet 100 as an alternative or in addition to movement of the first support region 3 in to its second use condition.

Figures 6 and 7 show a further embodiment of a wearable display apparatus 1' which is based in part upon that of Figures 1 to 3. Like references have been used to identify common features and, therefore, only the differences will be described in detail. As will be apparent, no straps are provided and an apparel 30, covering a torso 32 of a wearer, is not specifically provided with an aperture through which a part of the apparatus may pass. Instead, the rear-facing surface 11 of the apparatus 1' is provided with various connectors 31 for securing the apparatus 1' directly to the apparel 30. In the example shown, the connectors 31 are various regions of hook and loop fasteners, in which one of the apparatus 1' and the T-shirt are provided with the hook regions and the other the loop regions. Of course, other fasteners may be chosen, for instance press-studs. The T-shirt 30 may provide further information, i.e. the name of the advertiser, etc. In use, the apparatus I Ls operable in the same way as the apparatus 1 of Figures 1 to 3, as exemplified in Figures 6 and 7, in which (as shown in Figure 6) an upright configuration represents a first use condition and (as shown in Figure 7) an outstretched configuration represents a second use condition. Other aspects of the intended use are the same.

Optionally, this apparatus 1' may include one or more limbs (not shown but described in relation to Figure 4) and/or a turntable (not shown but described in relation to Figure 5).

Figure 8 shows a yet further embodiment of a wearable display apparatus I based upon that of Figures 1 to 3. Like references have been used to identify common features and, therefore, only the differences will be described in detail. The apparatus 1 includes a socket 15 for receipt of an ipad ®, instead of a generic socket for receipt of a tablet. One or more cut-outs 16 may be provided in the socket 15 for connecting the iPad to peripheral equipment, for instance a charger, or perhaps integrated speakers. The apparatus 1 is otherwise operable in the same way as the apparatus of Figures 1 to 3.

Figure 9 shows an all-weather wearable display apparatus I based upon that of Figures 1 to 3. Like references have been used to identify common features and, therefore, only the differences will be described in detail. In addition to those features mentioned in relation to Figures 1 to 3, and potentially those of Figure 4, Figure 5, Figures 6 and 7 or Figure 8, the apparatus includes a dust I rain cover 17.

The dust / rain cover 17 may be connected to the first support region 3 along two edges as shown in Figure 9. In this example, a tablet 100 may be slid under the cover 17 through one of the open edges and then secured into the socket 6.

Alternatively, the cover may be releasably connected to the first support region 3 along any number of edges by means such as zips, press studs, hook and loop fasteners, etc. Operation 0f the tablet will be unaffected, despite covering the touch sensitive surface of the tablet with the dust! rain cover 17.

Use of an electronic display in promoting and/or marketing is a versatile and cost-effective way of conducting these activities. Media designed and supplied by a Client or supplied by the marketer I promoter for the Client is simply uploaded onto the tablet according to the needs of the Client. The marketer I promoter wears the wearable display apparatus, incorporating therewith a tablet, and targets specific locations for conducting the marketing I promoting. A number of marketers I promoters may be so equipped. For instance, locations of high interest in the promotion or marketing may be streets or town centres having high footfall, exhibitions I special events, or areas where competitor's activities are high. As described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3, the wearer can then attract and engage with a target audience.

In a merely preferred embodiment, the support is manufactured from a textile material and the support includes one or more semi-rigid panels in the support regions. The textile material may cover the semi-rigid panels or the panels may themselves be aesthetic, such that no material overlay is required. A flexible fastener, which accommodates movement of the support regions with respect to each other, is provided by a portion of textile material between the panels. The socket is manufactured from semi-rigid plastics material, most likely through moulding, and is bonded or otherwise to the first support region or a panel thereof.

Preferably, a top of the tablet sits flush with the support, but this is not essential. A clear plastics material provides the dust I rain cover. Preferably, the clear material is thin, for example it may be described as a film. Cushioning is provided on the second support region by an open-cell foam, preferably having an anti-allergy surface-coating. The textile material is breathable to reduce perspiration and localised heating. The straps are manufactured from man-made fibre, for instance nylon. Alternatively, the textile material (or the straps) could instead be leather.

Further alternatively, the panels may be hinged of otherwise rotatably fastened. In a yet further alternative, the support may be made from silicone rubber, to provide a versatile, flexible and strong support for the tablet In alternative embodiments, the support may include a display integrated into the support, for instance the display may be integrated into the first support region.

Alternatively, the first support region may comprise little more than the display, whilst still being rotatable between use conditions. Further, the support may include one or more speakers. The invention has been defined in relation to an electronic display, at least initially, and those skilled in the art will understand that such a display is exemplified by a tablet-style computer (tablet), in particular an iPad®. Of course, an iPad® is but one named example of a tablet. In an alternative arrangement, the support regions 3; 4 may include a ridge located between them, such that inner edges of the regions 3; 4 may easily interact and engage to support the weight of the tablet 100 and not pull or distort the apparel. In a further alternative arrangement, the support regions 3; 4 may be hinged together and releasably lockable in the second use condition. Locking in this instance may be provided by the hinge itself, for example, a nut locatable on a screw thread which is tightenable when the support regions.3; 4 are provided in the second condition.

Further, the invention, which is described in relation to promotion and marketing activities, is not so limited of course, as it may be used for personal use.

Claims

Claims: 1.) A wearable display apparatus, for promotion and marketing activities, the apparatus comprising: a fastener, for allowing the apparatus to be worn in use; and a support, for receiving an electronic display, wherein the support is movable between a first use condition and a second use condition and is releasably securable against further movement in the second use condition.
2.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first use condition provides said electronic display in an upright orientation and the second use condition provides said electronic display in an outstretched orientation.
3.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first use condition provides said electronic display in a vertical or thereabouts orientation and the second use condition provides said electronic display in a horizontal or thereabouts orientation.
4.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support comprises a limb which is movable between a stored condition and a securing condition where it acts to secure the support.
5.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the limb is pivotally connected at each end to the support and rotatably movable, and a middle section thereof acts to secure the support.
6.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein two limbs are provided, each pivotally connected to the support at a first end, and at least the distal ends act to secure the support.
7.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support comprises a first support region, for receiving said electronic display, and a second support region, for allowing the apparatus to be worn against a user's torso.
8.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first support region and the second support region are flexibly connected.
9.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the second support region comprises a ridge, trough, friction inducing surface or the like for supporting the limb.
10.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support further comprises a turntable, allowing said electronic display to be easily rotated.
11.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support further comprises a socket for receiving and securing to the support said electronic display.
12.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support further comprises a clear plastics cover.
13.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fastener comprises straps, ties, press-studs or hook and loop.
14.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the apparatus comprises shoulder straps and adjustable fastenings on those straps.
15.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electronic display is a tablet-style computer, preferably an iPad ®.
16.) Promotion and marketing apparatus comprising a wearable display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims I to 15, and further comprising apparel for covering a torso of a user and wherein the apparel comprises an aperture through which the support for receiving an electronic display may be located.
17.) Promotion and marketing apparatus comprising a wearable display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, and further comprising apparel for covering a torso of a user and wherein the apparel and the support comprise aspects of a fastener for securing the support to the apparel.
18.) Apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the fastener is regions of hook and loop, a region of hook or loop provided on the apparel and a region of the other on the support.
19.) A wearable display apparatus substantially as herein described, with reference to Figures 1 to 3, Figures 4 or 5, Figures 6 and 7, Figure 8 or Figure 9 of the accompanying drawings and/or any example described herein.
20.) Use of a wearable display apparatus for promotion and marketing activities, the apparatus comprising: a fastener, for allowing the apparatus to be worn in use; and a support, for receiving an electronic display, wherein the support is movable between a first use condition and a second use condition and is releasably securable against further movement in the second use condition.
21.) The use as claimed in claim 20, further comprising use of the wearable display apparatus in the first use condition so as to display various promotion or marketing information so as to attract the attention of an individual, and moving the support in to the second use condition so to engage with the so-attracted individual and provide further promotion or marketing information or input data provided by said individual into said electronic display.
22.) The use as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the apparatus further comprises one or more of the features defined in any one of claims 1 to 15 or claim 19.
23.) Use of a wearable display apparatus substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying description and/or any example described herein.
24.) A method of manufacturing a wearable display apparatus, the method comprising: providing a fastener, for allowing the apparatus to be worn in use; and providing a support, for receiving an electronic display, wherein the support is movable between a first use condition and a second use condition and is releasably securable against further movement in the second use condition.
25.) The method of claim 24 comprising providing one or more apparatus features as defined in any one of claims 1 to 15 or claim 19.
26.) A method of promoting and marketing using an electronic display, the method comprising: using an electronic display in a first use condition so as to display various media and attract the attention of an individual; moving the electronic display in to a second use condition so to engage with the so-attracted individual and display further media or input data provided by said individual into said electronic display.
27.) The method as claimed in claim 26, further comprising releasably securing the electronic display in the second use copdition.