NZ527697A - Display apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A display apparatus comprising: an indicia carrying substrate support means (81) and a backing means (83), the indicia carrying substrate support means including: a) a quadrilateral shaped frame of top, sides and bottom perimeter members to define a border about the indicia carrying substrate to be carried by the indicia carrying substrate support means, the frame presenting a clamping rim (10) (continuous or not) parallel to the plane of the frame; b) at least one substantially rigid clamping sheet (9), biased by at least one biasing means (8) of the indicia carrying substrate support means towards the clamping rim yet allowing the clamping sheet to be pressed away from at least part of the clamping rim in a direction opposite to the direction of bias, wherein part of the indicia carrying substrate can be selectively captured between the clamping sheet and the clamping rim to become retained with the display apparatus. The indicia carrying substrate support means is hinged with the backing means to be rotatable relative to the backing means and movable between a first position and a second position. The backing means includes a means to hold (80) which when the indicia carrying substrate support means and the backing means are in the first position, hold the clamping sheet relative to the clamping rim to thereby prevent the movement of the clamping sheet in the direction opposite to the direction of bias, and when the indicia carrying substrate support means and the backing means are in the second position, being a position where the indicia carrying substrate support means and backing means are rotated away from each other, the means to hold is released from holding the clamping sheet.

Description

527697 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 No: 527697 Date: 18 August 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION DISPLAY APPARATUS Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. 18 AUG 2004 RECEIVED We, RODIER ADVERTISING (1986) LIMITED, a company duly incorporated under the laws of New Zealand of 3E Miro Place, Albany, Auckland, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: The present invention relates to a display apparatus.

Display apparatus for presenting billboards or menu boards or similar are in extensive use. Such commonly comprise of a fixed structure which defines a frame within the bounds of which an image carrying substrate can be engaged for 5 presentation by the device.

For displays provided in a public areas, considerations in addition to the ability for the display to present the image in a useful condition include such factors as vandalism and weather resistance. It is accordingly normal to find the image carrying substrate provided within a casing of the display. Frequently such casing 10 will consist of a body structure with which a movable frame structure is engaged the frame structure carrying with it a pane of clear plastic or glass behind which and within the cavity of such, the image carrying substrate will be positioned. In such a manner the image canying substrate cannot be removed without first opening the frame which will normally be locked in a closed condition. Rubber seals between 15 the frame and the structure of the display and between the pane of glass and the frame will thereby also ensure that the unit is weather proof. Weather proofing is often a requirement particularly where the display is used outdoors and includes back lighting. However the provision of a glass pane to enclose the image carrying substrate is an expensive mode of securement. By vandalism the glass is often 20 damaged or broken. The entire pane of glass will then need to be replaced which is costly and can also be time consuming in order to re-establish the weather proof seal between the glass pane and the frame. In addition it can also be time consuming to remove and replace an image carrying substrate within the structure of the display. This may particularly so where during one day one or two 25 exchanges of image carrying substrates need to occur as for example is often required at fast food outlets.

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a display apparatus which addresses the abovementioned disadvantages or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Accordingly in a first aspect the present invention consists in a display apparatus for selectively receiving indicia carrying substrates, said apparatus comprising; an indicia carrying substrate support means and a backing means, said indicia carrying substrate support means including (a) a quadrilateral shaped frame of top, sides and bottom perimeter members to define a border about the indicia carrying substrate to be carried by said indicia carrying substrate support means, said frame presenting a clamping rim (continuous or not) parallel to the plane of said frame (b) at least one substantially rigid clamping sheet, biased by at least one biasing means of said indicia carrying substrate support means towards said clamping rim yet allowing said clamping sheet to be pressed away from at least part of said clamping rim in a direction opposite to the direction of bias wherein part of a said indicia carrying substrate can be selectively captured between said clamping sheet and said clamping rim to become retained with said display apparatus, and wherein said indicia carrying substrate support means is hinged with said backing means to be rotatable relative to said backing means and movable between a first position and a second position said backing means including a means to hold which when said indicia carrying substrate support means and said backing means are in said first position, hold said clamping sheet relative to said clamping rim to thereby prevent the movement of said clamping sheet in said direction opposite to the direction of bias and wherein when said carrying substrate support means and said backing means are in said second position being a position where said carrying substrate support means and said backing means are rotated away from each other said means to hold is released from holding said clamping sheet.

Preferably at least one pairing of said top and bottom members or said side members include means to define said clamping rim.

Preferably each said top and bottom members and said side members include means to define said clamping rim.

Preferably said clamping rim is a planar surface or surfaces directed substantially normal to the direction of bias.

Preferably said backing means is hinged to said support means by a hinge with a vertical axis of rotation.

Preferably said backing means is hinged to said support means by a hinge with a horizontal axis of rotation.

Preferably said backing means and said support means are engaged to each other at one perimeter side of each via said hinge.

Preferably said backing means is substantially of the same size as the backing 10 means when viewed in a direction normal to said plane of said frame.

Preferably said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the clamping sheet in said first condition at least at two diametrically opposed regions corresponding to the frame.

Preferably said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be 15 engagable against the clamping sheet in said first condition at least at two perimeter members.

Preferably said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the clamping sheet in said first condition at least at two opposed perimeter members.

Preferably said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the clamping sheet in said first condition at least at three perimeter members.

Preferably said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the clamping sheet in said first condition at all perimeter 25 members.

Preferably said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the clamping sheet in said first condition at the entire perimeter of said clamping sheet.

Preferably said means to hold is a flange.

Preferably said indicia carrying substrate to be clamped at said clamping rim is clamped at a perimeter region thereof.

Preferably said clamping sheet is displacably biased from a part of said frame.

Preferably said rigid clamping sheet is biased towards said clamping region or regions by at least one spring.

Preferably said spring is a leaf spring.

Preferably said spring is a helical spring Preferably said at least one clamping region is at least one surface directed substantially normal to the biasing force of said at least one biasing means.

Preferably said at least one surface is an internal perimeter flange of said at least one perimeter member.

Preferably said perimeter members define a square or rectangular border for said indicia carrying substrate.

Preferably each of said perimeter member includes a said clamping region.

Preferably said clamping rim or region of each said component are disposed from each of their respective component to provide an endless internal perimeter flange of said frame.

Preferably said clamping sheet is of a translucent material.

Preferably means to back light said indicia carrying substrate is provided.

Preferably said display apparatus is engaged to a means to mount which allows for pivotal support of said display apparatus from a structure about a horizontal or vertical axis.

Preferably said means to mount allows for support of said display apparatus to said structure and to allow at least substantially 180 degrees of rotation.

Preferably said display apparatus is secured to another display apparatus substantially as herein described, such that the display of two of said indicia carrying substrates are each in substantially diametrically opposed directions.

Preferably said backing means and said support means form in said first condition and enclosure.

Preferably said enclosure includes back lighting means to allow the backlighting to said indicia carrying substrate.

« In a further aspect the present invention consists in a menu display means for selectively receiving menu information carrying substrates, said display means comprising; an menu information carrying substrate support means and a backing means, 5 said indicia carrying substrate support means including (a) a quadrilateral shaped frame of top, sides and bottom perimeter members to define a border about the indicia carrying substrate to be carried by said indicia carrying substrate support means, said frame presenting a clamping rim (continuous or not) parallel to the plane of said frame 10 (b) at least one substantially rigid clamping sheet, biased by at least one biasing means of said indicia carrying substrate support means towards said clamping rim yet allowing said clamping sheet to be pressed away from at least part of said clamping rim in a direction opposite to the direction of bias wherein part of a said indicia carrying substrate can be selectively captured between said clamping 15 sheet and said clamping rim to become retained with said display apparatus, and wherein said indicia carrying substrate support means is hinged with said backing means to be rotatable relative to said backing means and movable between a first position and a second position said backing means including a means to hold which when said indicia 20 carrying substrate support means and said backing means are in said first position, hold said clamping sheet relative to said clamping rim to thereby prevent the movement of said clamping sheet in said direction opposite to the direction of bias and wherein when said carrying substrate support means and said backing means are in said second position being a position where said carrying substrate support 25 means and said backing means are rotated away from each other said means to hold is released from holding said clamping sheet.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, 30 elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

A preferred form of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawing in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display apparatus of the present invention, Figure 2 is a front view of a display apparatus of the present invention, Figure 3 is a side view of a display apparatus of the present invention, Figure 4-5 illustrate the display apparatus (a two sided version) of the present invention mounted from a support structure to allow rotation of the display apparatus, Figure 6 is a side view of a three sided display, Figure 7 is a perspective view of a partially assembled display apparatus of the present invention, Figure 8 is a partially assembled sectional view through section AA of Figure 7, Figure 9 is a fully assembled view of the display apparatus through section AA of Figure 7, Figure 10 is a close up sectional view in respect of the region for clamping the signage, Figure 11 illustrates the signage being loaded into the display apparatus, Figure 12 is a sectional view through part of a display apparatus in more detail, and Figures 13-15 illustrate the components of the display apparatus shown in Figure 12 in different conditions of rotation.

A display such as for example shown in Figure 1 may incorporate many of the aspects of our earlier patent NZ504716 the entire contents is hereby incorporated by way of cross reference.

In a broad sense the present invention consists of a frame with which an indicia carrying substrate such as a signage substrate can be selectively located. The display device preferably provides one frame region for selectively receiving and displaying a single sheet of removable indicia however with reference to figure 2, there is provided at least one and preferably three, (1,2, 3). Preferably such are provided in a side by side relationship. The frame allows for three separate indicia carrying substrates to be separately and selectively removable and/or clampable by the said frames. The or each frame includes top and bottom and side components preferably predominantly of extruded aluminium.

In the most preferred form, the display devices is also preferably double sided wherein the at least one frame (1,2,3) is substantially repeated in a diametrically opposed viewing directions of the display device as frames (1', 2', 3')-Figure 6 shows a three sided version. The device is preferably mounted to a support bracket 4, and with reference to figures 4 and 5 such a support bracket may locate the display device to a wall or ceiling or alternatively a floor or counter top or other suitable mounting surface. The support of the display device by the support bracket is preferably a pivotable support allowing the pivoting of the device through at least 180° to allow one or the other sides of the preferred form of the display device to be viewed from a suitable direction.

The removable indica carrying or signage substrates which may be secured to the display device may for example carry merchandise information such as product and/or price information or menu information which may for example be commonly found in fast food outlets or the like.

Some fast food outlets cater for different menus at different times of the day and to allow for convenient removal and replacement of product information to display the products which are appropriately for sale at certain times of the day, the devise of the present invention allows for easy removal and replacement of such information carried on indicia carrying substrates.

In the most preferred form the signage substrate is preferably of a flexible sheet material and is preferably of a translucent nature. The device of the present invention is preferably back lit, and with the materials between the back lighting and the indicia carrying substrates being such as to allow light to pass there through, illumination of the product information is able to be achieved.

The signage substrates may for example be a screen printed sheet material or otherwise printed sheet material and may preferably have a laminated or some other form of structure which provides some degree of rigidity to the substrate.

In a preferred form the display device consists of a frame 81. The frame 5 provides a clamping region 7 which in conjunction with a clamping means 9 which is biased by a biasing means 8 towards the clamping region 7, a region where at least one area of the signage substrate can be clamped to the frame is provided. The clamping region 7 is preferably a flange or rim which has a surface directed towards and preferably normal towards the clamping force direction of the biasing means 8.

The clamping region 7 is preferably provided so as to provide a clamping force to substantially the entire perimeter of the signage substrate. The clamping means 9 may be of a sheet material which is of substantially the same or similar size to the signage substrate, or may alternatively be merely of a shape which provides sufficient area between the biasing means and the clamping region 7. Where in the 15 preferred form the clamping force is provided to substantially the entire perimeter region of the signage substrate, the shape of the clamping means 9 is preferably at least of a continuous rim shaped member substantially complementary with the perimeter shape of the indicia carrying substrate.

However in the preferred form the clamping means 9 is of a surface area 20 which extends substantially and entirely behind the preferred endless flange providing member 10 of the clamping region 7 and covers the area defined within the frame and it acts also as a backing member for the substrate. The insertion, for clamping, of the indicia carrying substrate, and with reference to figure 11, can hence be achieved by depressing the clamping means 9 so as it moves away from an 25 engaged condition with the clamping region 7 and to allow for the indica carrying substrate 11 to be inserted for clamping between the clamping region and the clamping means. For convenient operation it is preferable that the clamping means is of a single sheet for each of the regions of the device to receive an indica carrying substrate. With the suitable location of a sufficient number of biasing means 8 to 30 bias the clamping means 9 towards the clamping region, it can be appreciated that insertion of an indica carrying substrate with the frame can be conveniently and easily achieved.

Where back lighting is preferred, such is preferably achieved by a lighting means 12 which may for example be a fluorescent or incandescent lighting means.

Fluorescent lighting means is preferred but it will be appreciated that alternative sources or light may be used. Where the clamping means 9 is of a preferred form which is substantially similar in area to the indica carrying means, and where back lighting is provided, the sheet material of the clamping means 9 is preferably of a translucent nature. In an alternative however the clamping means 9 may be 10 provided with apertures therein in regions where an increased intensity of lighting is to be or may be projected from the device.

The biasing means 8 are preferably leaf springs which are provided from the frame 81 on the other side of the clamping means to where the signage substrate is to be provided. The biasing means are preferably presented from the frame in a 15 suitable manner and with reference to figures 12-15, these are preferably presented from the frame on a flange 13 which extends inwardly from the frame defining means.

The frame may be made in a sheet material such as a metal which is preferably powder coated or otherwise coloured. The frame is separate from that portion of the 20 device which provides the lighting means.

The frame may be made of an aluminium or other metal which is extruded to an appropriate shape to provide the flanged region 10 and other features which are desired or necessary.

The device may in other embodiments consist of a three or four sided (in 25 sectional view) means providing three or four indicia carrying display directions. Such may be rotatable to display in a suitable viewing direction to display information to customers, such that at least one indicia carrying display region is able to be conveniently used.

In order to ensure that the signage substrate 11 remains engaged with the display apparatus a means to hold 80 is provided which will hold the clamping sheet 9 against the clamping region or rim 10 when the display apparatus is in a display mode. In the most preferred form of the present invention the signage substrate 11 5 is carried by a support means 81 which is hinged by a hinge member 82, to a backing means 83 as shown in Figures 12-15. In normal use, the backing means 83 is the foundational member of the display apparatus and the support means which includes the frame members 81 rotates relative to the foundational member 83. With reference to Figure 1, the foundational member 83 is a backing or structural 10 support member to the support means 81 which carries the signage substrate. The foundational member 83 is preferably of a form which defines a cavity 85. The foundational member is for example of a same size (when viewed in plan view normal to the plane of the frame) as the support means 81. The foundational member or also referred to as backing 83 presents preferably fixed relative thereto, 15 the means to hold 80 in a manner such that when the support means 81 is in a rotational condition relative to the backing 83 where the cavity 85 is substantially enclosed by the support means 81, the means to hold 80 engages against the clamping sheet 9 and thereby makes redundant, the biasing spring 8 which becomes inoperative in allowing the displacement of the clamping sheet 8 for the purposes of 20 releasing the signage substrate 11. The means to hold 80 presses the clamping sheet against the clamping rim or region 10 and prevents the clamping sheet from displacing in the direction opposite to the bias provided by the spring 8 and thereby locking the signage substrate in place preventing its movement. In order to allow for the signage substrate to be removed the support means needs to be rotated to a 25 second condition such as for as example shown in any one of Figures 13-15 which is a position wherein the support means and the backing means are rotated away from each other. Thereby a release of the means to hold 80 from the clamping sheet occurs and the biasing spring 8 becomes operative in allowing the clamping sheet to displace away from the clamping rim and thereby allow for the signage substrate 11 30 to be removed and/or replaced and substituted.

Rubber sealing strips 87 can be utilised to ensure that the enclosure between the support member 81 and the backing 83 is water tight to ensure that no rain water can enter into the cavity and make contact with the electrics or electronics inside of the cavity.

A lock or means to hold the support means 81 and the backing 83 in the first, closed condition, preferably provided and may be standard arrangements of locking. A key may be utilised to open the lock for security purposes.

A durable material for the clamping substrate 9 may be used such as a polycarbonate sheet. Indeed the signage substrate may be captured between two polycarbonate substrates the first being the clamping sheet 9 and another positioned on the exterior of the clamping substrate and the signage substrate. The covering polycarbonate sheet may then also be manoeuvred along with the signage substrate to be clamped with the device of the present invention.

Claims (33)

1. A display apparatus for selectively receiving indicia carrying substrates, said apparatus comprising; an indicia carrying substrate support means and a backing means, 5 said indicia carrying substrate support means including (a) a quadrilateral shaped frame of top, sides and bottom perimeter members to define a border about the indicia carrying substrate to be carried by said indicia carrying substrate support means, said frame presenting a clamping rim (continuous or not) parallel to the plane of said frame 10 (b) at least one substantially rigid clamping sheet, biased by at least one biasing means of said indicia carrying substrate support means towards said clamping rim yet allowing said clamping sheet to be pressed away from at least part of said clamping rim in a direction opposite to the direction of bias wherein part of a said indicia carrying substrate can be selectively captured between said clamping 15 sheet and said clamping rim to become retained with said display apparatus, and wherein said indicia carrying substrate support means is hinged with said backing means to be rotatable relative to said backing means and movable between a first position and a second position said backing means including a means to hold which when said indicia 20 carrying substrate support means and said backing means are in said first position, hold said clamping sheet relative to said clamping rim to thereby prevent the movement of said clamping sheet in said direction opposite to the direction of bias and wherein when said carrying substrate support means and said backing means are in said second position being a position where said carrying substrate support 25 means and said backing means are rotated away from each other said means to hold is released from holding said clamping sheet.

2. A display apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one pairing of said top and bottom members or said side members include means to define said clamping rim. 30 3. A display apparatus as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein each said top and bottom members and said side members include means o define said clamping rim. ;

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4. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said clamping rim is a planar surface or surfaces directed substantially normal to the direction of bias.

5. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said 5 backing means is hinged to said support means by a hinge with a vertical axis of rotation.

6. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said backing means is hinged to said support means by a hinge with a horizontal axis of rotation. 10

7. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said backing means and said support means are engaged to each other at one perimeter side of each via said hinge.

8. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said backing means is substantially of the same size as the backing means when viewed 15 in a direction normal to said plane of said frame.

9. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the clamping sheet in said first position at least at two diametrically opposed regions corresponding to the frame. 20

10. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the clamping sheet in said first position at least at two perimeter members.

11. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the 25 clamping sheet in said first position at least at two opposed perimeter members.

12. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the clamping sheet in said first position at least at three perimeter members.

13. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein said 30 backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the clamping sheet in said first position at all perimeter member^. In. ' • , - Of?;— L' .J 3 DCAr iwr-, -15- 5 10 25

14. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein said backing means presents said means to hold in a manner to be engagable against the clamping sheet in said first position at the entire perimeter of said clamping sheet.

15. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein said means to hold is a flange.

16. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said indicia carrying substrate to be clamped at said clamping rim is clamped at a perimeter region thereof.

17. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein said clamping sheet is displacably biased from a part of said frame.

18. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein said rigid clamping sheet is biased towards said clamping rim by at least one spring.

19. A display apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein said spring is a leaf spring.

20. A display apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein said spring is a helical spring

21. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20 wherein said clamping rim is at least one surface directed substantially normal to the biasing force of said at least one biasing means.

22. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21 wherein said at least one surface is an internal perimeter flange of said at least one perimeter member.

23. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22 wherein said perimeter members define a square or rectangular border for said indicia carrying substrate.

24. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 23 wherein each of said perimeter member includes a said clamping rim.

25. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24 wherein said clamping rim of each said perimeter member are disposed from each of their respective said perimeter members to provide an endless internal perimeter flange of said frame. D tz iJ h i \Z r» -16-

26. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 25 wherein said clamping sheet is of a translucent material.

27. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 26 wherein means to back light said indicia carrying substrate is provided. 5

28. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27 wherein said display apparatus is engaged to a means to mount which allows for pivotal support of said display apparatus from a structure about a horizontal or vertical axis.

29. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 28 wherein said means to mount allows for support of said display apparatus to said structure and to 10 allow at least substantially 180 degrees of rotation.

30. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29 wherein said display apparatus is secured to another display apparatus substantially as herein described, such that the display of two of said indicia carrying substrates are each in substantially diametrically opposed directions. 15

31. A display apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 30 wherein said backing means and said support means form in said first position and an enclosure.

32. A display apparatus as claimed in claim 31 wherein said enclosure includes back lighting means to allow the backlighting to said indicia carrying substrate.

33. A menu display means for selectively receiving menu information carrying 20 substrates, said display means comprising; an menu information carrying substrate support means and a backing means, said indicia carrying substrate support means including (a) a quadrilateral shaped frame of top, sides and bottom perimeter members to define a border about the indicia carrying substrate to be carried by said 25 indicia carrying substrate support means, said frame presenting a clamping rim (continuous or not) parallel to the plane of said frame (b) at least one substantially rigid clamping sheet, biased by at least one biasing means of said indicia carrying substrate support means towards said ! clamping rim yet allowing said clamping sheet to be pressed away from at least part 30 of said clamping rim in a direction opposite to the direction of bias wherein part of a Oiiic f™' . . .. ■ cuts y L* -17- said indicia carrying substrate can be selectively captured between said clamping sheet and said clamping rim to become retained with said display apparatus, and wherein said indicia carrying substrate support means is hinged with said backing means to be rotatable relative to said backing means and movable between a first position and a second position said backing means including a means to hold which when said indicia carrying substrate support means and said backing means are in said first position, hold said clamping sheet relative to said clamping rim to thereby prevent the movement of said clamping sheet in said direction opposite to the direction of bias and wherein when said carrying substrate support means and said backing means are in said second position being a position where said carrying substrate support means and said backing means are rotated away from each other said means to hold is released from holding said clamping sheet.