GB2514646A - Vehicle mounting system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A mounting system for mounting a media display device, such as a digital display, to a vehicle roof, such as a taxi cab, is provided. The mounting system comprises an attachment mechanism having a first end configured for attachment to a roof strut 50 and a second end configured for attachment to the media display device (100 figure 7), located above the vehicle roof. When the attachment mechanism is attached to the media display device and to the strut, at least a part of the attachment mechanism passes through the roof such that the roof is located between the two ends of the attachment mechanism. This enables the weight of the object to be transferred through the roof strut and not to the roof of the vehicle. The mechanism may comprise an upper member 30 and lower member 20 pivotally attached (74) to each other so that the display, attached to the upper member, may move with respect to the roof and thus not apply undue stresses thereto. A skirt or shroud (110 figure 8) may contact the roof and conceal any space between the roof and the media display device.

Description

Vehicle Mounting System and Method The present invention relates to a system and method for mounting a load on a vehicle roof, particularly for mounting a heavy load comprising a media display, preferably a digital display system, securely to a vehicle roof that is not specifically designed for heavy load bearing.

It is often desirable to mount a unit or module to a vehicle, particularly to the roof of a vehicle, for display purposes. Many vehicles, particularly smaller vehicles such as cars, taxi cabs, multi purpose vehicles (MPV5) and the like, have an upper roof skin that is relatively weak and not designed to bear a significant amount of weight. The roof can be modified by providing, for example, roof bars above the roof skin that help to bear any load but even roof bars may not enable a heavy weight to be securely transported without damage to the roof and/or the bars themselves.

The problem is exacerbated where it is desirable to mount a load onto a roof without the use of roof bars, for example with advertising structures that are mounted on vehicles such as taxi cabs. Traditional advertising structures with static, printed images are already a significant load on a typical taxi roof. More modern advertising structures have one or more digital screens for displaying images and information that can be targeted based on many factors including location, time of day, etc., and are significantly heavier still, typically being up to 4 or 5 times as heavy as the more traditional printed media. When such heavy structures are mounted to a standard vehicle roof, the roof skin is susceptible to damage not only from the weight of the structure crushing or buckling the roof skin, but also from the forces transmitted from the structure to the roof or roof skin, particularly during movement of the vehicle. In some cases, even if the structure is slightly raised above the roof skin to prevent weight bearing damage thereto, the mechanism attaching (typically) the ends of the structure to the roof can damage the roof skin, shearing from the roof in severe cases if the attachment mechanism becomes fatigued and breaks. The aesthetics and aerodynamics of the structure and vehicle combined also constrains the way in which the structure is attached and typically requires the structure to be mounted closely to or in contact with the roof skin over a significant proportion of the base area of the structure.

The above problem is particularly detrimental when mounting an advertising structure, such as a digital media display system, to a taxi cab or other vehicle roof.

Therefore an improved system and method for mounting a heavy load on a vehicle roof is needed, particularly for mounting the heavy load securely on the roof of a vehicle whilst minimising the effect of the mounting on the aerodynamics of the combined vehicle and system, especially for a vehicle roof not specifically designed for heavy load bearing or to withstand the forces and associated stresses from movement of the load mounted on the roof. The present invention seeks to alleviate the above problems. In accordance with the present invention, from a first broad aspect, there is provided a media display system comprising a media display device, preferably a digital media display for displaying digital media on at least one side thereof, and a mounting system for mounting the media display device, to a vehicle roof, wherein the mounting system comprises an attachment mechanism configured for attachment to a vehicle roof and also for attachment to a media display device, the media display device comprising a skirt or shroud, such that when the media display device is attached to the vehicle roof by the attachment mechanism, the skirt or shroud contacts the vehicle roof and conceals any spacing between a lower portion of the media display device and the vehicle roof.

Thus the weight of the media display device is distributed through the attachment mechanism and preferably at least partially through the contact of the skirt or shroud with the vehicle roof Also the media display device has improved aerodynamic properties because airflow will pass around the display device and not between the display device and the vehicle roof, even if there is a spacing between a lower portion of the media display device and the vehicle roof Preferably the skirt or shroud comprises substantially the entire periphery of the base of the media display device, thus contacting the media display device about its periphery to the vehicle roof. Preferably the skirt or shroud is contoured so as to complement the shape and configuration of the vehicle roof.

Preferably the skirt or shroud is configured to cushion or absorb relative movement between the media display device and the vehicle roof, the skirt or shroud comprising at least one of: a gasket, preferably a rubber gasket, configured for placement between a lower portion of the media display device and the vehicle roof and sized to fill any spacing therebetween at least around the periphery of the lower portion of the media display device, and an extension of the outer body of the media display device that extends into contact with the vehicle roof, preferably comprising a resilient material such as rubber.

Preferably the attachment mechanism is attached to a lower portion of the media display device and preferably also to a vehicle roof strut. Preferably at least a part of the attachment mechanism passes through the vehicle roof such that the roof is located between two ends of the attachment mechanism. Thus a substantial proportion of the weight of the media display device is supported through the vehicle roof strut and the skirt or shroud supports only a small proportion or even substantially none of the weight of the media display device.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital media display system for mounting on a vehicle roof, the system comprising: a mounting system, and a digital media display device mountable on a vehicle roof, for displaying digital media on at least one side thereof, wherein: the mounting system comprises an attachment mechanism having a first end configured for attachment to a vehicle roof strut and a second end configured for attachment to a base portion of the digital media display device, and when the attachment mechanism is attached to the base portion of the digital media display device and to the vehicle roof strut, at least a part of the attachment mechanism passes through the vehicle roof such that the roof is located between the two ends of the attachment mechanism, and the digital media display device comprises a skirt or shroud, such that when the digital media display device is attached to the vehicle roof by the attachment mechanism, the skirt or shroud contacts the vehicle roof and conceals any spacing between the base portion of the digital media display device and the vehicle roof The above described preferred embodiments of the other aspects of the invention are also applicable to this aspect. For example, the skirt or shroud may comprise at least one of: a gasket, preferably a rubber gasket, configured for placement between the base portion of the digital display and the vehicle roof and sized to fill the spacing therebetween at least around the periphery of the base portion of the digital display, and an extension of the outer body of the digital display that extends into contact with the vehicle roof, preferably comprising a resilient material such as rubber.

Therefore there is provided a system for mounting a digital media display device to a vehicle roof in which the stresses and load imparted by the device, particularly during movement of the vehicle and due to the weight of the device, are transmitted to at least one roof strut of the vehicle. The roof strut is far more capable of absorbing such stresses without being damaged than the roof itself, and some of the load can be transferred to other, strong parts of the vehicle such as the sides. All of these structural parts of the vehicle are specifically designed for strength and to maintain the integrity of the vehicle, unlike the roof. A significant proportion of the weight of the device is therefore borne by the vehicle strut and the stresses associated with movement of the device relative to the roof as the vehicle is driven (particularly during acceleration, deceleration and cornering) are also absorbed through the strut, thereby reducing or preventing damage to the roof.

Whilst the attachment mechanism for attaching the device to the roof strut may be substantially rigid, in at least some embodiments the attachment mechanism has flexibility in at least one direction to further relieve stresses. The attachment mechanism may comprise a lower member attachable to a vehicle roof strut, and an upper member attachable to an object located above a vehicle roof, wherein the upper member is pivotally connectable to the lower member such that the upper member is pivotable in at least one plane relative to the lower member. Therefore as, for example, lateral forces are exerted on the device when the vehicle moves, particularly on cornering, acceleration or deceleration, the resultant stresses on the attachment mechanism are at least partially relieved by relative movement between the members of the mechanism itself Any suitable pivotable joint can be used, for example a ball joint enabling movement in all directions. In at least some embodiments, the attachment mechanism further comprises a pin for pivotally connecting the upper member to the lower member such that the upper member pivots about the longitudinal axis of the pin. This arrangement is advantageous because the joint is simple to assemble, durable and reliable yet capable of relieving significant stresses through movement of the joint.

The lower member may comprise a bracket and a flanged fastener configured to fasten the bracket to a vehicle roof strut, wherein one of the bracket and the flanged fastener comprises a spigot configured to be received in a throughhole in the vehicle roof strut, and the other of the bracket and the flanged fastener comprises a mating protrusion receivable in a bore of the spigot, such that when the mating protrusion is received in the spigot, the flange of the flanged fastener abuts the vehicle roof strut securing the lower member thereto with the vehicle roof located between the bracket and the flanged fastener.

Such a mechanism is advantageous because assembly of the mechanism and attachment of the device to the vehicle roof strut is relatively simple whilst the stresses or forces on the vehicle roof during assembly are minimised or eliminated. The above mechanism enables one component to be inserted easily into the roof strut and the second component to be mated with it, sandwiching the roof between the roof strut connection and a part of the mechanism above the roof If desired, this can all be achieved before any load is applied to the mechanism, i.e. before the device is located above the roof and so the mechanism is secured to the roof strut before any significant loading.

In at least some embodiments, the flanged fastener comprises a bolt or screw and the bracket comprises the spigot having a thread in the bore such that the bolt or screw is screwable into the spigot to lock the bracket above an upper surface of a vehicle roof strut whilst the flange of the bolt or screw abuts a lower surface of the vehicle roof strut.

Thus the bracket can be dropped into place from above the root and the bolt or screw then screwed into the mating screw thread in the bore of the bracket from beneath the roof (and beneath the roof strut), bring the two components into a mated relationship and being secured to the roof strut. Alternatively the screw or bolt could be inserted into place in the roof strut first, for example by adhering the flange of the bolt to the lower surface of the vehicle roof strut with, e.g. glue or double-sided adhesive tape, and then the bracket mechanism connected (e.g. screwed) onto the bolt from above the vehicle roof. This is advantageous where the flanged fastener comprises an inner threaded bore and the bracket above the roof comprises a mating screw for screwing into the threaded bore.

In at least some embodiments, the mounting system further comprises a spacer configured for placement between the flange of the bolt or screw and the lower surface of the vehicle roof strut. The spacer may comprise a rubber or foam gasket or an adhesive, for example glue or double-sided tape for adhering the flange to the lower surface of the vehicle roof strut. Thus the gasket may be used to adhere the fastener to the roof strut as discussed above, and/or the gasket provides cushioning and protection in between the flange and the vehicle roof strut. In at least some embodiments, a gasket is also or alternatively provided between the portion of the bracket that is above (and contacts with) the roof strut and the roof strut itself to cushion the contact between these components or indeed between the bracket and any portion of the roof on which it may sit.

The upper member and lower member of at least some embodiments of the attachment mechanism comprise any suitable configuration for mounting pivotally relative to each other. For example, the members may comprise mating components of a ball joint for pivotal movement in multiple directions. In at least some embodiments, the upper member comprises a pair of laterally spaced apart plates joined together along a longitudinal edge thereof and the lower member comprises a pair of laterally spaced apart plates joined together along a longitudinal edge thereof. The spacing between one pair of plates is less than the spacing between the other pair of plates such that one pair is interposable between the other pair, and the pivotable connection comprises a pin for passing through an aperture in each of the plates of the lower member and the upper member when the plates are interposed and the apertures are aligned. Such an arrangement allows pivotal movement back and forth in one plane, thus enabling the mechanism to absorb stresses and forces associated with relative movement of the device and vehicle in that plane. The members may be arranged for example to absorb the forces associated with movement of the device under acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle. Furthermore the laterally spaced plate arrangement provides a joint that is strong and able to withstand stresses in other directions and planes, thus providing a durable attachment mechanism that will require less maintenance than other joint mechanisms and last longer. The joined plates of each of the upper member and the lower member may have a substantially U or C-shaped cross section when viewed in the longitudinal direction. The joined plates of the upper member may be substantially parallel in the longitudinal direction and the joined plates of the lower member are substantially parallel in the longitudinal direction. Such arrangements are durable as strength is provided in the longitudinal direction by the elongate plates and their attachment together whilst still allowing for pivotal movement about the pivot pin.

As described above, the mounting system is advantageously arranged to support the load of a digital media display device mounted on a vehicle roof thus minimising damage to the vehicle roof. The attachment mechanism is attached to the device and to the vehicle roof strut, with the vehicle roof located between the two ends of the attachment mechanism, such that the base portion of the digital media display device is spaced away from and does not contact with the vehicle roof. This provides further protection against damage to the vehicle roof, even when the vehicle travels over an uneven surface (or over, e.g. traffic calming measures such as speed bumps) and vibration and/or other vertical movement of the device occurs. As discussed above, the shroud or skirt covers the gap between the device and the vehicle roof and, for example, may comprise a resilient material that fills the gap, at least around the periphery of the device. This reduces any adverse aerodynamic impact due to the gap and also cushions the device as it vibrates and/or otherwise moves vertically, as well as being more visually appealing. Furthermore, having a material effectively sealing the outer periphery of the device to the vehicle roof helps prevent ingress of dirt and fluid underneath the device, protecting the attachment mechanism and the underside of the device from being degraded by such environmental contaminants. As discussed above, this also improves the aerodynamics of the system.

Vvbilst it is possible to mount a digital media display device to a vehicle roof using a single mounting system, in accordance with the present invention, in at least some embodiments, the mounting system comprises a plurality of attachment mechanisms for attaching the device. The device may be attached at two or more, spaced apart locations on a vehicle roof strut, and/or to at least two of a plurality of vehicle roof struts.

Mounting the device in at least two places to the vehicle roof strut provides a more stable mounting and a better distribution of the weight of the device. In at least some embodiments, the mounting system comprises a first pair of attachment mechanisms for attaching the device at spaced apart locations to a first vehicle roof strut and a second pair of attachment mechanisms for attaching the device at spaced apart locations to a second vehicle roof strut. In such an arrangement, the attachment mechanisms are spaced so as to form the four corners of a rectangle of approximately the size of the outer periphery of the device, or within about 80% of the size of the outer periphery.

Many vehicles have at least one and typically a plurality of roof struts suitable for the mounting system of the present invention. However, for vehicles that do not have a suitable strut, in at least some embodiments the mounting system further comprises a vehicle roof strut, configured for mounting beneath a vehicle roof. The roof strut may be connectable to at least one side of the vehicle. For example, the roof strut is received into rails at the sides of the vehicle, or fits either behind or in front of the rails. Thus even with vehicles not having a suitable strut to which the mounting system can be attached, the mounting system can be used by retrofitting an appropriate strut before attachment of a digital media display device above the roof. This may be important for embodiments for mounting a digital media display device such as a digital advertising display to the roof of a taxi cab, discussed in more detail below, where some taxi cabs do not have an appropriate strut. The vehicle roof strut may comprise at least one throughhole or may comprise at least a pair of spaced apart throughholes for receiving at least a part of the attachment mechanism. However for provided struts or for existing struts in vehicles having no throughhole(s), these can be made by drilling through the strut at suitable location(s).

The above embodiments of the present invention are suitable for mounting a digital media display device to a vehicle roof The device according to at least some embodiments of the present invention may be a digital advertising hoarding for mounting on vehicles such as taxi cabs or other vehicles that travel regularly around an area such asacity.

Therefore in accordance with the present invention from a further broad aspect, there is provided a digital display system for mounting on a vehicle roof, the system comprising a mounting system and a digital display, mountable on a vehicle roof, for displaying digital images of information on at least one side thereof, wherein the mounting system comprises an attachment mechanism having a first end configured for attachment to a vehicle roof strut and a second end configured for attachment to a base portion of the digital display, and when the attachment mechanism is attached to the base portion of the digital display and to the vehicle roof strut, at least a part of the attachment mechanism passes through the vehicle roof such that the roof is located between the two ends of the attachment mechanism.

The mounting system of the present invention is advantageous for mounting a digital display system, such as a roof mounted digital advertisement hoarding, because such digital systems are significantly heavier than more traditional, printed advertisement displays for vehicle roofs. Mounting such a significantly heavier display on a traditional mounting apparatus will likely lead to fatigue or even failure of the mounting, particularly shearing of the mechanism and/or vehicle roof, causing damage to the roof and possible detachment of the display therefrom, which is clearly undesirable and dangerous.

Typically a digital media display device may have a weight in the order of about 10 to 60kg, such as in the order of about 20 to 45kg. To further absorb the stresses associated with a roof mounted digital display system, the attachment mechanism may comprise a lower member attachable to a vehicle roof strut, and an upper member attachable to a device located above a vehicle roof, wherein the upper member is pivotally connectable to the lower member such that the upper member is pivotable in at least one plane relative to the lower member. As set out above, such an arrangement advantageously relieves stresses associated with movement of the digital display, particularly during vehicle movement. Also for the reasons set out above, in at least some embodiments, the attachment mechanism further comprises a pin for pivotally connecting the upper member to the lower member such that the upper member pivots about the longitudinal axis of the pin. The lower member may comprise a bracket and a flanged fastener configured to fasten the bracket to a vehicle roof strut, wherein one of the bracket and the flanged fastener comprises a spigot configured to be received in a throughhole in the vehicle roof strut, and the other of the bracket and the flanged fastener comprises a mating protrusion receivable in a bore of the spigot, such that when the mating protrusion is received in the spigot, the flange of the flanged fastener abuts the vehicle roof strut securing the lower member thereto with the vehicle roof located between the bracket and the flanged fastener. The flanged fastener may comprise a bolt or screw and the bracket comprises the spigot having a thread in the bore such that the bolt or screw is screwable into the spigot to lock the bracket above an upper surface of a vehicle roof strut whilst the flange of the bolt or screw abuts a lower surface of the vehicle roof strut.

Furthermore, for the reasons discussed above, it is advantageous in at least some embodiments to space the digital display away from the vehicle roof. Therefore the attachment mechanism may be attached to the base portion of the digital display and to the vehicle roof strut, with the vehicle roof being located between the two ends of the attachment mechanism, such that the digital display is spaced away from and does not contact with the vehicle roof As set out above, it is desirable to cover or fill the gap between the digital display system and the vehicle roof. Therefore the digital display system further comprises a skirt or shroud, configured to conceal the spacing between the digital display and the vehicle roof and/or to cushion or absorb relative movement between the digital display and the vehicle roof, as discussed above. The skirt or shroud may comprise at least one of a gasket, for example a rubber gasket, configured for placement between the base portion of the digital display and the vehicle roof and sized to fill the spacing therebetween at least around the periphery of the base portion of the digital display, and an extension of the outer body of the digital display that extends into contact with the vehicle roof, which may comprise a resilient material such as rubber.

Not only does this arrangement help absorb any movement of the digital display but also aerodynamic drag may be reduced and the digital display, particularly if it is for advertising, is aesthetically pleasing as well.

In at least some embodiments, the digital display system comprises a plurality of attachment mechanisms for attaching the base portion of the digital display either at two or more, spaced apart locations on a vehicle roof strut, and/or to at least two of a plurality of vehicle roof struts. The digital display system may comprise a first pair of attachment mechanisms for attaching a front end of the base portion of the digital display to a forward vehicle roof strut, the attachment mechanisms being configured for attachment with one in the region of each corner of the front base portion of the display mechanism, and a second pair of attachment mechanisms for attaching a rear end of the base portion of the digital display to a rearward vehicle roof strut, the attachment mechanisms being configured for attachment with one in the region of each corner of the rear base portion of the display mechanism. Thus a system is provided for stably mounting a digital display to a vehicle roof that can absorb stresses caused by vehicle movement whilst supporting the weight of the display system.

Although some vehicles may have suitable struts for mounting a digital display, for example a typical hackney carriage/black cab as used in London and other UK cities may have suitable struts for mounting a digital display. Other vehicles, such as the medallion/yellow cabs of New York City or indeed other taxi cabs may not have a suitable strut. Therefore in at least some embodiments, the digital display system further comprises a vehicle roof strut, configured for mounting beneath a vehicle roof, which may be connectable to at least one side of the vehicle.

As described above, there is provided a system for mounting a digital display system to a vehicle roof From another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of mounting a digital media display device to a vehicle roof, comprising passing at least a portion of an attachment mechanism through a vehicle roof, attaching a first end of the attachment mechanism to a vehicle roof strut located beneath the vehicle roof, and attaching a second end of an attachment mechanism to a device located above the vehicle roof, such that the load of the device is substantially transmitted to the vehicle roof strut. Thus there is provided an advantageous mechanism for connecting a device, particularly a heavy digital media display device, to a vehicle roof that is simple to assemble yet provides a durable connecting that prevents damage to the roof by transferring the weight of the device to the vehicle roof strut and not to the vehicle roof. In at least some embodiments, the attachment mechanism comprises a lower member attachable to a vehicle roof strut, and an upper member attachable to a device located above a vehicle roof, and the method further comprises pivotally connecting the lower member to the upper member such that the members are relatively pivotable in at least one plane. The steps of the method can be performed in any logical order and in at least some embodiments, the final step is connecting the lower member to the upper member. This enables a simple assembly of the device to the vehicle roof strut, wherein the upper member is connected to the device and the lower member is connected to the roof strut before it is necessary to move the device into position above the vehicle roof Then the pivotable connection can be completed as a final step, such a modular connection being easier to install with fewer people than a standard mounting system and with lesser or no risk of the roof being damaged during installation. In alternative embodiments, the upper member is attached to the device and pivotally mounted to the lower member and then the final assembly step is to attach the lower member to the roof strut. In these embodiments, attachment of the upper member to the lower member may occur before or after attachment of the upper member to the device.

Of course, any of the steps can be performed in any other order, unless it is illogical or the steps are specifically stated as being sequential or simultaneous, etc. In at least some embodiments, the lower member comprises a bracket and a flanged fastener, one of the bracket and the flanged fastener comprising a spigot having a bore and the other of the bracket and the flanged fastener comprises a mating protrusion, and the method further comprises inserting the spigot into a throughhole in the vehicle roof strut, inserting the mating protrusion into the bore of the spigot thereby bringing the flange of the flanged fastener into abutment with the vehicle roof strut and securing the lower member thereto with the vehicle roof located between the bracket and the flanged fastener. As discussed above in relation to the mounting system, this provides an easy to assemble mounting system that is assembled in the manner described. The flanged fastener may comprise a bolt or screw and the bracket -12-comprises the spigot having a screw thread in the bore, the method comprising screwing the bolt or screw into the spigot to bring the flange of the bolt or screw into abutment with a lower surface of the vehicle roof strut and to lock the bracket above an upper surface of a vehicle roof strut and the vehicle roof.

As discussed above, in at least some embodiments the device is mounted so as to not be in direct contact with the vehicle roof. Therefore the method of mounting a digital media display device may further comprise mounting the device such that a base portion thereof is spaced away from and does not contact with the vehicle roof, and filling the spacing between the device and the vehicle roof with a gasket or the like, for example a rubber gasket, to conceal the spacing between the digital display and the vehicle roof and/or to cushion or absorb relative movement between the digital display and the vehicle roof. The mounted device is therefore further cushioned by the gasket and the roof is further protected from damage and the skirt or shroud is provided by the gasket.

For improved stability and reliability of the mounting, in at least some embodiments the method of mounting a device comprises attaching a first pair of attachment mechanisms to a forward vehicle roof strut, attaching the first pair of attachment mechanisms to a front end of a base portion of the device, one in the region of each corner of the front end of the base portion, attaching a second pair of attachment mechanisms to a rearward vehicle roof strut, and attaching the second pair of attachment mechanisms to a rear end of a base portion of the device, one in the region of each corner of the rear end of the base portion. Thus the digital media display device, which typically has a generally rectangular footprint or base portion, is connected securely in appropriate positions to the vehicle roof struts.

If the vehicle does not have an appropriate strut, the method of mounting a device further comprises fitting a vehicle roof strut underneath the vehicle roof prior to attaching a first end of the attachment mechanism to the vehicle roof strut, and may further comprise connecting the vehicle roof strut to at least the sides of the vehicle such that at least a proportion of a load on the vehicle roof strut is transmitted to the vehicle sides.

As discussed above, the digital media display device may be a digital advertising display to be mounted to the roof of a taxi cab, which by virtue of its dimensions requires a mounting system that can distribute the load to the roof strut or struts of the taxi cab.

The digital media display device may have a length (typically aligned from the front to the back of the taxi cab roof) in the region of 50 to 300cm, preferably in the region of 100 to 200cm, preferably of about 145cm. The digital media display device may have a width (typically aligned across the taxi cab roof from one side to the other) in the region of 20 to 70cm, preferably in the region of 35 to 55cm, preferably of about 45cm. The digital media display device may have a height (measured from the base of the display to its highest portion, being independent of any spacing between the base of the display and the taxi cab roof) in the region of 10 to 70cm, preferably in the region of 25 to 55cm, preferably of about 35cm in some embodiments or about 44cm in an alternative embodiments. The digital media display device may have a weight in the region of 10 to 70kg, preferably in the region of 25 to 55kg, preferably of about 45kg.

Digital media display devices such as advertising displays to be mounted to the roof of taxi cabs having one or more of the above dimensions can be fitted to the roof, preferably to the roof struts as discussed above. The roof struts are usually curved to fit the curved roof of the vehicle. Each roof strut may have a length (the dimension of the strut running from one side of the vehicle to the other side) in the region of 500mm to 1500mm, preferably in the region of 750 to 1250mm, preferably of about 1085mm. Each roof strut may have a width (the dimension of the strut running from the front to the back of the vehicle) in the region of 40mm to 110mm, preferably in the region of 50 to 100mm, preferably of about 75mm. In at least some embodiments, a pair of through holes is provided along the length of each strut, equally spaced relative to the centre of the roof strut. The throughholes are preferably spaced apart relative to each other by in the region of 200 to 450mm (when measured from the centre of each throughhole), preferably in the region of 300 to 250mm, preferably of about 324mm The configuration of the roof struts may depend on the type of vehicle to which the display is to be mounted, for example on the taxi cab model. In at least some embodiments, the vehicle comprises a pair of roof struts with a first strut being generally towards the front of the vehicle roof and a second roof strut generally towards the back of the roof The spacing between the front strut and the back strut (when measured from the centre of respective throughholes) is in the region of 500 to 2000mm, preferably in the region of 750 to 1500mm, preferably in the region of 1000 to 1100mm, preferably about 1017mm in, for example, a hackney carriage/black cab as used in London and other UK cities or a medallion/yellow cabs as used in New York City.

Therefore from a further broad aspect, there is provided a structure for supporting -14-a digital media display device, the digital media display device having a length in the region of 50 to 300cm, a width in the region of 20 to 70cm, a height in the region of 10 to 70cm and a weight in the region of 10 to 70kg, wherein the structure comprises a mounting system, preferably comprising a plurality of attachment mechanisms having first ends configured for attachment to one of a pair of vehicle roof struts, and second ends configured for attachment to a base portion of the digital media display device, and when the attachment mechanisms are attached to the base portion of the digital media display device and to the vehicle roof struts, at least a part of the attachment mechanisms pass through the vehicle roof such that the roof is located between the two ends of the attachment mechanisms. In at least some embodiments, the mounting system comprises two pairs of attachment mechanisms comprising a front pair for attachment to a front roof strut and a back pair for attachment to a back roof strut, wherein the front roof strut comprises a pair of throughholes for receiving one of each of the front attachment mechanisms, the throughholes being spaced apart relative to each other by in the region of 200 to 450mm, and the back roof strut comprises a pair of throughholes for receiving one of each of the back attachment mechanisms, the throughholes being spaced apart relative to each other by in the region of 200 to 450mm, and wherein the front roof strut is spaced from the rear roof strut by in the region of 500 to 2000mm.

Unless otherwise specified, terms in the specification should be given their normal meaning. Terms such as attachment, connection, abutment, etc., are intended to include direct and indirect attachment, connection, abutment, etc., i.e. indirect encompasses other component(s) being interposed between the attached, connected or abutted means. References to relative position such as upper, lower, above, below, etc., are intended to indicate relative position and are not limiting in any other manner.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a lower member bracket assembly according to at least some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates an upper member bracket assembly according to at least some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3 illustrates an upper member bracket assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 illustrates a vehicle roof strut according to at least some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5 illustrates a vehicle roof strut according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 illustrates a mounting system according to at least some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates assembled upper and lower members attached to a device according to at least some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 8 illustrates the pair of the assembled upper and lower members of Figure 7 attached to the device; and Figure 9 illustrates an assembled upper and lower member attached to a roof strut according to at least some embodiments of the present invention, with other components of the vehicle removed for clarity.

An attachment mechanism 10 according to at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Figure IA illustrates an attachment mechanism lower member 20 comprising a U-shaped bracket portion 22, formed by a pair of parallel plates 22a, 22b that are joined by a centre plate 22c along the longitudinal edges of the parallel plates 22a, 22b. The parallel plates 22a, 22b and the centre plate 22c are integrally formed from a sheet of material, which is a 4mm thick mild steel sheet, but the plates could be separately provided and welded together, for example. A hole 25 in the centre plate 22c is configured to receive a spigot 21, which is welded into place once received in the hole 25. The spigot 21 has a bore 23 along its central axis which is configured to receive a fastener (such as fastener 70 as shown in Figure 6). The bore has an inner screw thread for mating with the outer screw thread of such a fastener 70, but other arrangements are possible, such as the spigot 21 having an outer screw thread, or an interference fit between the spigot bore and the fastener, etc. Figure lB is a view of the lower member 20 from above, i.e. in direction X of Figure IA. The head of the spigot 21 can be seen welded into place in the hole 25 through the centre plate 22c. Figure IC is a side view of the lower member of Figure IA rotated by 90 degrees, i.e. in direction Y of Figure IA. Although the bracket portion 22 has a generally U-shaped cross section when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the plates 22a, 22b (as shown in Figure 1A), it can be seen that these plates are not rectangular, but instead have a generally triangular shape, with the longest side of the -16-triangle being the join with the centre plate 22c. This structure is strong and when assembled, has smaller areas that abut and overlap the similar plates 32a, 32b of the upper member 30 (shown in Figure 2) thus reducing any potential friction between the plates 22a, 32a and 22b, 32b. However any suitable shape of the plates 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b is within the scope of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 10, an aperture 24a is provided in front plate 22a and a corresponding aperture (not shown) is provided in back plate 22b. These apertures are configured to receive a pivot pin 74 (shown in Figures 7 and 8) about which the lower member 20 can pivot relative to the upper member 30, as discussed below.

Figure 2 illustrates an upper member 30 of the attachment mechanism 10, which co-operates with the lower member 20 and a fastener 70 to attach a digital media display device to a vehicle roof strut (as shown in Figure 6). As shown in Figure 2A, the upper member 30 comprises a U-shaped bracket portion 32, formed by a pair of parallel plates 32a, 32b that are joined by a centre plate 32c along the longitudinal edges of the parallel plates 32a, 32b. The parallel plates 32a, 32b and the centre plate 32c are integrally formed from a sheet of material, which is a 4mm thick mild steel sheet, but the plates could be separately provided and welded together, for example.

The front plate 32a of the upper member 30 has an aperture 34a that corresponds with the aperture 24a in the front plate 22a of the lower member 20, as best seen in Figure 1C. Likewise an aperture in the back plate 32b of the upper member 30 corresponds with the aperture in the back plate 22b of the lower member 20 (not shown).

A threaded fastener 36 is attached to the back plate 32b of the upper member 30 so as to surround the aperture and is configured to receive and fix the pivot pin (discussed above and shown in Figures 7 and 8). The threaded fastener 36 can be any suitable fastener such as a nut and is attached to the back plate 32b in any suitable manner.

Here, the fastener 36 comprises a TR Fastenings Hank ® Sert, but other suitable fasteners may also be used.

Additional apertures 35 through the centre plate 32c are provided, as seen when viewed from direction Y (and as shown in Figure IB). These apertures 35 enable the upper member 30 to be attached to a digital media display device, for example by screws, bolts 37 or the like through the apertures 35 into the device, as shown in Figure 7.

When viewed from the side, as shown in Figure 10 (viewed in the Z direction of Figure IA and with the upper member 30 rotated anticlockwise through 90 degrees), it can be seen that, like the lower member 20, the plates 32a, 32b of the upper member 30 also have a generally triangular shape, with the longest side of the triangle being the join with centre plate 32c. This reduces the area of contact between the plates, as discussed above, by reducing the overlap between them when compared, for example, to rectangular plates.

The spacing between the parallel plates 32a, 32b of the upper member 30 is slightly larger than the spacing between the parallel plates 22a, 22b of the lower member and the plates 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b are all substantially the same thickness. Thus the plates 22a, 22b of the lower member 20 can be inserted between the plates 32a, 32b of the upper member 30, as discussed in more detail below. Of course, in other embodiments the spacing between the parallel plates 32a, 32b of the upper member 30 could be slightly smaller than the spacing between the parallel plates 22a, 22b of the lower member 20, to enable the plates 32a, 32b of the upper member 30 to be inserted between the plates 22a, 22b of the lower member 20.

Figure 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an upper member 40 in accordance with present invention. The upper member 40 is similar to the upper member 30 of Figure 2, but the parallel plates 42a, 42b have a different shape to the generally triangular shape of the parallel plates 32a, 32b of the first embodiment. In particular, the longitudinal edge 43 of each of the plates 42a, 42b (where the plates 42a, 42b join the centre plate 42c) is not parallel with the longitudinal edge 41 of the top of each of the plates 42a, 42b. These sloped plates 42a, 42b enable the upper member 40 to be attached to a digital media display device that has a sloping surface, for example, or enable the mechanism to be used with a vehicle with a sloping roof. Furthermore, the upper member 40 has a lower profile than the upper member 30, enabling the device mounted to the roof to sit closer to the roof. In at least some embodiments having a plurality of attachment mechanisms 10, both types of upper member 30, 40 can be used, for example with one type of upper member 30, 40 being used at one end of a digital media display device and the other type of upper member 40, 30 being used at the other end of the device. As seen in Figure 30, the upper member 40 also has a cut out portion from both parallel plates 42a, 42b in the region of the apertures through the plates (aperture 34a being illustrated for front plate 42a) so the upper member 40 is slightly lighter. However in other embodiments the cut out portion is not present and the upper surface is substantially continuous or in still other embodiments the cut out portion is present but has a different shape.

The attachment mechanism 10 of the illustrated embodiments attaches a digital media display device to a vehicle roof strut as discussed in detail with regard to Figure 6 below. Whilst many vehicles will have a suitable roof strut for use with the attachment mechanism 10, some vehicles may not have a roof strut or may have a roof strut that is not suitable for use with the attachment mechanism 10, for example because it is not designed to bear a load. In such vehicles, a strut can be retro-fitted between the vehicle roof and any internal fittings (such as an inner roof lining) so that the vehicle has no significant change in appearance but is then capable of use with the attachment mechanisms 10 of the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary roof strut 50 for retrofitting to a vehicle in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. The roof strut 50 is a generally elongate structure configured to act as a brace between the sides of the vehicle. The ends 52 of the strut 50 are configured to be received in a roof edge return 80 at the sides 90 of the vehicle (as shown in Figure 6 which illustrates a vehicle with a fitted roof strut 60 that may either be an existing roof strut of the vehicle or a retrofitted roof strut as discussed in this embodiment).

The roof strut 50 is made of any suitable material that is sufficiently strong and rigid to brace a vehicle to which it is fitted. In the present embodiment, the roof strut 50 is formed from a 1.5mm thick mild steel sheet. As shown in Figure 4A (which is a plan view of the roof strut 50) a pair of apertures or throughholes 54 are provided through the roof strut 50 for receiving a pair of attachment mechanisms 10 of the present invention.

The throughholes 54 may be existing holes through the roof strut 50 or may be provided by drilling through the roof strut 50. As shown in Figure 4B (which is a side view of the same roof strut 50), a channel 51 is provided in the roof strut 50 running along the length of the strut 50 at least between the corners 53 where the strut 50 is angled for fitting to the roof return. This reduces the weight of the strut 50 without significantly compromising on its strength. The channel 51 can also be seen in Figure 9.

The roof strut 50 has a cut out portion 56, as shown in Figure SC. This allows for any projections downward from the vehicle roof, that are typical present towards the front of a vehicle. However it may not be necessary for the cut-out 56 to be provided, as may be typical for rear struts in a vehicle, in which case the vehicle strut 60 of Figure 5 can be used. The vehicle strut 60 of Figure 5 is similar to the Figure 4 embodiment, but does not have a cut-out portion 56. In some embodiments, both the vehicle strut 50 of Figure 4 and the vehicle strut 60 of Figure 5 can be used in the same vehicle, with one being the forward strut 50, 60 and the other being the rearward strut 60, 50. In further embodiments, more than two struts 50, 60 may be used in any combination.

Figure 6 shows a mounting system according to at least some embodiments of the present invention, mounted to a vehicle roof strut 60 by two attachment mechanisms (only one shown for clarity) spaced across a roof strut 60 between the sides 90 of a vehicle. Figure 6A shows the vehicle roof strut 60 in plan view for clarity with the dotted lines (passing through the throughholes 54) illustrating where the strut 60 is placed in the vehicle (Figure 6B being a side view of the strut 60 when installed in the vehicle with the vehicle strut ends 52 received in the roof returns 80 of the vehicle sides 90).

To mount a digital media display device to the vehicle above the vehicle roof 92, a lower member 20 of an attachment mechanism 10 is inserted through an aperture in the roof 92 and into one of the throughholes 54 of the roof strut 60. The spigot 21 of the lower member 20 drops into the throughhole 54 but the entire lower member 20 does not pass through the throughhole 54 because the U-shaped bracket portion 22 of the lower member 20 is too big to pass into the throughhole 54. A gasket 72 is provided to cushion the abutment of the centre plate 22c against the vehicle roof 92. The gasket 72 can be inserted after the lower member 20 is introduced into the throughhole 54 of the roof strut or preferably the gasket 72 is added onto the lower member 20 before assembly, as shown in Figure 7, where the gasket 72 generally corresponds to the shape and size of the centre plate 22c except for the aperture in the gasket 72 for receiving the spigot 21.

The lower member 20 is secured into place against the roof strut 60 by a fastener 70 which is screwed into the bore 23 of the spigot 21 of the lower member 20 until the flange 73 of the fastener head abuts the lower surface of the strut 60. As shown on the right-hand side of Figure 6, the fastener 70 can be put into place before the lower member spigot 21 is introduced into the throughhole 54. This can be achieved by adhering the flange 73 to the lower surface of the strut 60 with adhesive such as glue or double-sided tape. The spigot 21 can then be screwed onto the fastener 70. The fastener 70 is also provided with an indentation 71 in the head, configured to receive a mating protrusion such as a hex key (Allen key) to aid tightening of the fastener 70 in the spigot bore 23.

-20 -The upper member 30 has plates 32a, 32b that are spaced slightly further apart than those of the lower member 20 and are generally the same thickness. Therefore the upper member 30 can be slotted over the lower member 20 to mate with and rest thereon. A pin 74 is passed through corresponding apertures 24a, 34a of the front plates 22a, 32a and out through similar apertures in the back plates 22b, 32b whereafter the pin 74 is screwed into fastener 36. This is best seen in Figure 7.

A digital media display device 100 (shown in Figures 7 and 8) is attached to the upper member 30 by passing bolts 37 through apertures 35 in the upper member 30 to bolt the device thereto, as seen in Figure 7. Therefore, when the attachment mechanisms 10 of the Figure 6 to 8 embodiment are fully assembled, the digital display is pivotally attached above the roof 92 of the vehicle and held such that the display is not in contact with the roof, thus supporting the display 100 through the roof strut and the vehicle sides 90 and not contacting the roof 92. As shown in Figure 8, a shroud 110 extends beneath the base plate 120 of the display 100, to reach the vehicle roof 92 so that no visible gap is present beneath the display 100 but so that the weight of the display 100 is not transmitted through the shroud 110 to the roof 92. The mounted display therefore is visually pleasing, more aerodynamic and stable, yet does not load the vehicle roof 92 and thereby avoids damaging the roof 92. Furthermore, the pivotal movement between the attachment mechanism upper members 30 and lower members 20 enables stresses associated with relative movement between the display 100 and the vehicle (when the vehicle is in motion for example) to be absorbed by the mechanisms thus minimising any stresses to the vehicle roof 92 or indeed the attachment mechanisms 10 themselves.

For clarity, Figure 9 illustrates the attachment mechanism 10 of at least some embodiments of the present invention mounted to a vehicle strut with no vehicle roof or sides present and without any device attached to the upper member 30.

As will be appreciated with reference to the foregoing, the order of assembly of the components of the attachment mechanism 10, of assembly of the attachment mechanism 10 to the roof strut 60 and of assembly of the attachment mechanism 10 to the device 100 can be varied as required and therefore provides a flexible mounting system that can be assembled in the manner easiest dependent on the use of the system. For example, when mounting a very heavy device such as a digital display advertisement hoarding to a taxi cab roof, it may be desirable to have many of the -21 -components attached to the display, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, then the display lifted into position above the vehicle roof 92 so that the spigots 21 of the lower member 20 simply drop through the roof 92 and into the throughholes 54 in the vehicle roof strut 60 where they can easily be fixed into place as a final step by screwing in the fasteners 70 from inside the taxi, before replacing any roof lining (thus concealing the roof strut 60 and the mechanism 10). Alternatively the order of assembly could be varied and, for example with lighter devices such as, e.g., roof bars being mounted to the vehicle, it may be desirable to fix the lower member 20 to the vehicle roof strut 60 and the upper member 30 to the roof bars before sliding the upper member 30 over the lower member 20 and finishing assembly by introducing the pivot pin 74. Further variations in the assembly process are also envisaged and within the scope of the invention.

Thus there is provided a flexible and durable mounting system and method for mounting a digital media display device above a vehicle roof, as described in the appended claims.

Claims (41)

1. -22 -Claims 1. A media display system comprising: a media display device, preferably a digital media display for displaying digital media on at least one side thereof, and a mounting system for mounting the media display device to a vehicle roof, wherein: the mounting system comprises an attachment mechanism configured for attachment to a vehicle roof and also for attachment to the media display device, and the media display device comprises a skirt or shroud, such that when the media display device is attached to the vehicle roof by the attachment mechanism, the skirt or shroud contacts the vehicle roof and conceals any spacing between a lower portion of the media display device and the vehicle roof.
2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the skirt or shroud comprises substantially the entire periphery of the base of the media display device, thus contacting the media display device about its periphery to the vehicle roof.
3. 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the skirt or shroud is contoured so as to complement the shape and configuration of the vehicle roof.
4. 4. The system of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the skirt or shroud is configured to cushion or absorb relative movement between the media display device and the vehicle roof, the skirt or shroud comprising at least one of: a gasket, preferably a rubber gasket, configured for placement between a lower portion of the media display device and the vehicle roof and sized to fill any spacing therebetween at least around the periphery of the lower portion of the media display device, and an extension of the outer body of the media display device that extends into contact with the vehicle roof, preferably comprising a resilient material such as rubber.
5. 5. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment -23 -mechanism is attached to a lower portion of the media display device and preferably also to a vehicle roof strut.
6. 6. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the attachment mechanism passes through the vehicle roof such that the roof is located between two ends of the attachment mechanism.
7. 7. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a substantial proportion of the weight of the media display device is supported through the vehicle roof strut and the skid or shroud supports only a small proportion or substantially none of the weight of the media display device.
8. 8. A digital media display system for mounting on a vehicle roof, the system comprising: a mounting system, and a digital media display device mountable on a vehicle roof, for displaying digital media on at least one side thereof, wherein: the mounting system comprises an attachment mechanism having a first end configured for attachment to a vehicle roof strut and a second end configured for attachment to a base portion of the digital media display device, and, when the attachment mechanism is attached to the base portion of the digital media display device and to the vehicle roof strut, at least a part of the attachment mechanism passes through the vehicle roof such that the vehicle roof is located between the two ends of the attachment mechanism.
9. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises: a lower member attachable to a vehicle roof strut, and an upper member attachable to an object located above a vehicle roof, wherein the upper member is pivotally connectable to the lower member such that the upper member is pivotable in at least one plane relative to the lower member.

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10. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the attachment mechanism further comprises a pin for pivotally connecting the upper member to the lower member such that the upper member pivots about the longitudinal axis of the pin.
11. 11. The system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the lower member comprises: a bracket, and a flanged fastener configured to fasten the bracket to a vehicle roof strut, wherein: one of the bracket and the flanged fastener comprises a spigot configured to be received in a throughhole in the vehicle roof strut, and the other of the bracket and the flanged fastener comprises a mating protrusion receivable in a bore of the spigot, such that when the mating protrusion is received in the spigot, the flange of the flanged fastener abuts the vehicle roof strut securing the lower member thereto with the vehicle roof located between the bracket and the flanged fastener.
12. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the flanged fastener comprises a bolt or screw and the bracket comprises the spigot having a thread in the bore such that the bolt or screw is screwable into the spigot to lock the bracket above an upper surface of a vehicle roof strut whilst the flange of the bolt or screw abuts a lower surface of the vehicle roof strut.
13. 13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a spacer configured for placement between the flange of the bolt or screw and the lower surface of the vehicle roof strut.
14. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the spacer comprises a rubber or foam gasket or comprises an adhesive, preferably glue or double-sided tape for adhering the flange to the lower surface of the vehicle roof strut.
15. 15. The system of any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: the upper member comprises a pair of laterally spaced apart plates joined together along a longitudinal edge thereof, the lower member comprises a pair of laterally spaced apart plates joined -25 -together along a longitudinal edge thereof, the spacing between one pair of plates is less than the spacing between the other pair of plates such that one pair is interposable between the other pair, and the pivotable connection comprises a pin for passing through an aperture in each of the plates of the lower member and the upper member when the plates are interposed and the apertures are aligned.
16. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the joined plates of each of the upper member and the lower member have a substantially U or C-shaped cross section when viewed in the longitudinal direction.
17. 17. The system of claim 15 or 16, wherein the plates of the upper member are substantially parallel in the longitudinal direction and the plates of the lower member are substantially parallel in the longitudinal direction.
18. 18. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the attachment mechanism is attached to the media display device and to a or the vehicle roof strut and the vehicle roof is located between the two ends of the attachment mechanism, the media display device is spaced away from and does not contact with the vehicle roof
19. 19. The system of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of attachment mechanisms for attaching the media display device: at two or more, spaced apart locations on a vehicle roof strut, and/or to at least two of a plurality of vehicle roof struts.
20. 20. The system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a vehicle roof strut, configured for mounting beneath a vehicle roof and preferably being connectable to at least one side of the vehicle.
21. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the vehicle roof strut comprises at least one throughhole and preferably at least a pair of space apart throughholes for -26 -receiving at least a part of the attachment mechanism.
22. 22. A digital display system for mounting on a vehicle roof, the system comprising: a mounting system, and a digital display, mountable on a vehicle roof, for displaying digital media on at least one side thereof, wherein: the mounting system comprises an attachment mechanism having a first end configured for attachment to a vehicle roof strut and a second end configured for attachment to a base portion of the digital display, and when the attachment mechanism is attached to the base portion of the digital display and to the vehicle roof strut, at least a part of the attachment mechanism passes through the vehicle roof such that the roof is located between the two ends of the attachment mechanism, and the digital display system further comprises a skirt or shroud, configured to conceal the spacing between the digital display and the vehicle roof and/or to cushion or absorb relative movement between the digital display and the vehicle roof, the skirt or shroud comprising at least one of: a gasket, preferably a rubber gasket, configured for placement between the base portion of the digital display and the vehicle roof and sized to fill the spacing therebetween at least around the periphery of the base portion of the digital display, and an extension of the outer body of the digital display that extends into contact with the vehicle roof, preferably comprising a resilient material such as rubber.
23. 23. The digital display system of claim 22, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises: a lower member attachable to a vehicle roof strut, and an upper member attachable to an object located above a vehicle roof, wherein the upper member is pivotally connectable to the lower member such that the upper member is pivotable in at least one plane relative to the lower -27 -member.
24. 24. The digital display system of claim 23, wherein the attachment mechanism further comprises a pin for pivotally connecting the upper member to the lower member such that the upper member pivots about the longitudinal axis of the pin.
25. 25. The digital display system of claim 23 or 24, wherein the lower member comprises: a bracket, and a flanged fastener configured to fasten the bracket to a vehicle roof strut, wherein: one of the bracket and the flanged fastener comprises a spigot configured to be received in a throughhole in the vehicle roof strut, and the other of the bracket and the flanged fastener comprises a mating protrusion receivable in a bore of the spigot, such that when the mating protrusion is received in the spigot, the flange of the flanged fastener abuts the vehicle roof strut securing the lower member thereto with the vehicle roof located between the bracket and the flanged fastener.
26. 26. The digital display system of claim 25, wherein the flanged fastener comprises a bolt or screw and the bracket comprises the spigot having a thread in the bore such that the bolt or screw is screwable into the spigot to lock the bracket above an upper surface of a vehicle roof strut whilst the flange of the bolt or screw abuts a lower surface of the vehicle roof strut.
27. 27. The digital display system of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein when the attachment mechanism is attached to the base portion of the digital display and to the vehicle roof strut and the vehicle roof is located between the two ends of the attachment mechanism, the digital display is spaced away from and does not contact with the vehicle roof
28. 28. The digital display system of any one of claims 22 to 27, comprising a plurality of attachment mechanisms for attaching the base portion of the digital -28 -display: at two or more, spaced apart locations on a vehicle roof strut, and/or to at least two of a plurality of vehicle roof struts.
29. 29. The digital display system of claim 28, comprising: a first pair of attachment mechanisms for attaching a front end of the base portion of the digital display to a forward vehicle roof strut, the attachment mechanisms being configured for attachment in the region of each corner of the front base portion of the display mechanism, and and a second pair of attachment mechanisms for attaching a rear end of the base portion of the digital display to a rearward vehicle roof strut, the attachment mechanisms being configured for attachment in the region of each corner of the rear base portion of the display mechanism.
30. 30. The digital display system of any one of claims 22 to 29, further comprising a vehicle root strut, contigured for mounting beneath a vehicle roof and preferably being connectable to at least one side of the vehicle.
31. 31. A method of mounting a digital media display device to a vehicle roof, comprising: passing at least a portion of an attachment mechanism through a vehicle roof, attaching a first end of the attachment mechanism to a vehicle roof strut located beneath the vehicle roof, and attaching a second end of an attachment mechanism to a digital media display device located above the vehicle roof, such that the load of the device is substantially transmitted to the vehicle roof strut, wherein a skirt or shroud of the digital media display device contacts the vehicle roof when the digital media display device is attached to the vehicle roof by the attachment mechanism and conceals any spacing between a lower portion of the digital media display device and the vehicle roof.
32. 32. The method ot mounting a device of claim 31, wherein the attachment -29 -mechanism comprises a lower member attachable to a vehicle roof strut, and an upper member attachable to an object located above a vehicle roof, the method further comprising: pivotally connecting the lower member to the upper member such that the members are relatively pivotable in at least one plane.
33. 33. The method of mounting a device as claimed in claim 31 or 32, wherein the lower member comprises a bracket and a flanged fastener, one of the bracket and the flanged fastener comprising a spigot having a bore and the other of the bracket and the flanged fastener comprises a mating protrusion, the method further comprising: inserting the spigot into a throughhole in the vehicle roof strut, inserting the mating protrusion into the bore of the spigot thereby bringing the flange of the flanged fastener into abutment with the vehicle roof strut and securing the lower member thereto with the vehicle roof located between the bracket and the flanged fastener.
34. 34. The method of mounting a device as claimed in claim 33, wherein the flanged fastener comprises a bolt or screw and the bracket comprises the spigot having a screw thread in the bore, the method comprising screwing the bolt or screw into the spigot to bring the flange of the bolt or screw into abutment with a lower surface of the vehicle roof strut and to lock the bracket above an upper surface of a vehicle roof strut and the vehicle roof
35. 35. The method of mounting a device of any one of claims 31 to 34, further comprising: mounting the object such that a base portion thereof is spaced away from and does not contact with the vehicle roof, and filling the spacing between the object and the vehicle roof with a gasket or the like, preferably a rubber gasket, to conceal the spacing between the digital display and the vehicle roof and/or to cushion or absorb relative movement between the digital display and the vehicle roof and thereby providing the skirt or shroud of the digital media display device by the gasket.-30 -
36. 36. The method of mounting a device of any one of claims 31 to 35, comprising: attaching a first pair of attachment mechanisms to a forward vehicle roof strut, attaching the first pair of attachment mechanisms to a front end of a base portion of the device, one in the region of each corner of the front end of the base portion; attaching a second pair of attachment mechanisms to a rearward vehicle roof strut, and attaching the second pair of attachment mechanisms to a rear end of a base portion of the device, one in the region of each corner of the rear end of the base portion.
37. 37. The method of mounting an object of any one of claims 31 to 36, further comprising fitting a vehicle roof strut to a vehicle underneath the vehicle roof prior to attaching a first end of the attachment mechanism to the vehicle roof strut, preferably further comprising connecting the vehicle roof strut to at least the sides of the vehicle such that at least a portion of a load on the vehicle roof strut is transmitted to the vehicle sides.
38. 38. A structure for supporting a digital media display device, the device having: a length in the region of 50 to 300cm, a width in the region of 20 to 70cm, a height in the region of 10 to 70cm, and a weight in the region of 10 to 70kg, wherein: the structure comprises a mounting system, the mounting system preferably comprising a plurality of attachment mechanisms having first ends configured for attachment to one of a pair of vehicle roof struts, and second ends configured for attachment to a base portion of the digital display, and when the attachment mechanisms are attached to the base portion of the digital media display device and to the vehicle roof struts, at least a part of the attachment mechanisms pass through the vehicle roof such that the roof is located between the two ends of the attachment mechanisms.-31 -
39. 39. A structure as claimed in claim 38, wherein the mounting system comprises two pairs of attachment mechanisms, comprising: a front pair for attachment to a front roof strut; and a back pair for attachment to a back roof strut, wherein the front roof strut comprises a pair of throughholes for receiving one of each of the front attachment mechanisms, the throughholes being spaced apart relative to each other by in the region of 200 to 450mm, the back roof strut comprises a pair of throughholes for receiving one of each of the back attachment mechanisms, the throughholes being spaced apart relative to each other by in the region of 200 to 450mm, and the front roof strut is spaced from the rear roof strut by in the region of 500 to 2000mm.
40. 40. A display device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the device having: a length in the region of 50 to 300cm, a width in the region of 20 to 70cm, a height in the region of 10 to 70cm, and a weight in the region of 10 to 70kg.
41. 41. A display device as claimed in claim 40, the device having a weight in the region of 10 to 50 kg, preferably 15 to 45 kg, preferably 20 to 35 kg.